Police warn over spate of burglaries in Felpham

The parish has been targeted in the past few days by a conman, possibly eastern European, calling on residents asking for work.

Sgt Danny West, of Bognor's police station, said: "On one occasion on Monday, a man managed to steal a purse having called at an address and been given the task of cleaning a car,

"Using the excuse of needing the toilet, he gained access to the house and committed the crime while the resident was distracted in filling a bucket with water."

Other incidents in the past few days have been similar distraction burglaries or burglars taking advantage of weak spots in a property's security to steal valuables.

Sgt West advised all residents around the Bognor Regis area to be on their guard against doorstep callers. Another scam being worked around the Arun district has seen conmen offer to carry out household repairs, expecially on roofs, after knocking on people's front doors.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "These people usually target the elderly and vulnerable and are intimidating them into parting with their savings for work that does not need to be carried out."

Anyone who wants to report suspicious callers should ring 0845 60 70 999 ext 86292. A person who is feeling threatened by a doorstep individual is advised to ring 999.

Sgt West's advice to help residents avoid being conned is:

Don't take the risk with agreeing to give work to people calling unexpectedly at the door.

Secure doors and windows. Burglars often use distraction techniques to keep you at the front door while a colleague goes to the back of the house.

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