LOCAL police are warning Alton residents to be extra vigilant after Ôdoor-to-door jewellery salesmenÕ stole two brooches worth £200, from an house in Barton End recently.
An elderly resident opened her door to the thieves after receiving a leaflet through the letterbox in the morning from a company claiming to buy and sell antique jewellery. The note said representatives would call back later that day.
By the time the men returned, the lady had looked out a number of items to view. Leaving the men to look at the items, she went upstairs to try and find some more items, whereupon she alleges that the men took the two brooches.
The men bought goods from the woman totalling £15, and then left.
Det Cons Phil Harrison-Smith said: ÒWe cannot stress enough that strangers should not be invited into your home without verifying their identity in detail.
ÒThis type of criminal regularly preys on elderly residents and this group of society is most at risk, though everyone should be extra careful.
ÒYou should not invite anyone over the threshold until you are 100 per cent certain that they are genuine, and even then you should exercise extreme caution.Ó
Anyone with any information on this case should contact Dc Harrison-Smith on 0845 045 45 45.