News

HAWKINGE CRIME UPDATE 

Dover police are appealing for help following two burglary artifices' (bogus callers) which took place in Melbourne Avenue, Dover on July 7th where two males had called at properties and said they were from the Water Board. 

In both cases whilst one male distracted the householder the other male searched the house and in both incidents money was stolen. Further crimes, believed to be by the same males took place in Alkham (same day) and Deal. Police are very saddened to report that one of the victims, has died.

Police in Dover are re-appealing for information regarding this crime.

The 88-year-old victim of this heartless theft had been asked to turn his kitchen taps on and off.

After a few minutes later, he realised a safe containing his life savings of more than £10,000 and some other money boxes that were in his wardrobe had been stolen.

At the time of the incident this gentleman had only recently been released from hospital and was re-admitted a few days after the ordeal.

He was released at the beginning of August, but sadly died on 7 August, exactly one month after the incident. It is believed the ordeal may have contributed to his death.

Police are continuing their investigations to establish who was responsible for this theft and would like to trace two white males in their late teens or early twenties. One was 5ft 11in and the other was 5ft 6in, and both had short hair.

Kent Police work closely with Kent Trading Standards who can make enquiries and give advice and do leaflet drops in neighbourhoods affected by such crimes. 

Acting Inspector Guy Thompson has said that thankfully, offences of this type are not very common in South Kent, but it does highlight how low-life criminals like these pick on the most vulnerable members of our community. "I would urge anyone with elderly relatives or neighbours to remind them not to let anyone in their homes, unless they are absolutely certain of their identity. And also to beware of anyone claiming to be from the Water Board, or other utility." 

If anyone would like further advice about reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime please do not hesitate to ring me on 01304 218151.

Anyone with information about the offenders is asked to contact Sgt Steve Callow on 01304 240055.

Alternatively phone Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This call is free and anonymous.

PC Trevor Moody can be contacted on 07980 770583.

To report a crime which has already occurred please ring the Central Crime Reporting Unit 01622 690690.