Distraction Burglary in Botley: Elderly Woman Targeted by Masked Man and Female Accomplice

Hampshire police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary targeting a woman in her 90s in Botley.

The incident occurred at around 6.50pm on Saturday, 25 October. According to police reports, an unknown woman knocked on the victim’s door, claiming she needed water because her vehicle had overheated. The victim allowed her inside. While they were in the kitchen, a man wearing a balaclava entered the property and stole the victim’s purse. He also searched through drawers and cupboards upstairs, though nothing else was reported stolen.

The female suspect is described as a white woman of slim build with blonde hair tied in a ponytail. She was wearing glasses and a knee-length dark puffer jacket. The male suspect is described as a white man of medium build, wearing a black balaclava, dark zip-up hoodie, grey jogging bottoms, and dark tartan slippers with white socks.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen the suspects, witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area, or has relevant footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Police on 101, quoting reference 44250483908, or report information via the police website.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For crime prevention advice, visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.