Distraction burglar steals cash from 89-year-old Mansfield pensioner

The man went to the pensioner’s home and asked if he wanted his garden weeding, on the morning of July 5.

Police say he walked off when another tradesman attended the address.

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Later that morning the victim went out of the back of his house to his shed. When he went back into his home he found the same man in his lounge.

The man engaged him in conversation and asked for a drink of water.

The victim, although shocked by the man’s presence, gave him a cup of water.

The offender then used his sleeve to cover his hand as he drank from the cup before washing it out under the tap.

After the man had left his address the victim discovered a small quantity of cash had been stolen.

Police arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident. He was subsequently released on conditional bail.

It comes after Nottinghamshire Police issued a public appeal for information on Wednesday.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "I'd like to thank all those who shared our appeal and came forward with information.

"The victim has been left badly shaken by his ordeal but thankfully wasn't injured during this distressing incident.

"While our enquiries are ongoing I'd still urge anyone who has any information which could assist us with our investigation to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 416 of 5 July 2020."

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