Detectives are hunting two men who tricked their way into the home of an elderly man in Thirsk.
The men entered the 86-year-old victim’s home in Borrowby at around 12pm today (12 May 2011), under the pretence of selling him some blinds for his front room window.
Once inside the property one of the men distracted the victim in the front room, closing the door slightly behind him, while his accomplice entered a downstairs bedroom.
When the victim became suspicious and threatened to call the police, the two men left via the front door.
When they had gone the elderly man noticed that two rings and a small amount of cash had been stolen.
Officers have conducted house to house enquiries in the area and are now appealing for witnesses to help them identify the suspects.
Detective Constable Karl Middlemiss, of Northallerton CID, said: “I am appealing to the public to help us identify the men responsible for this gutless and cowardly crime.
“Targeting the elderly and vulnerable in this manner is totally unacceptable and we are doing everything we can to trace the suspects.
“I would like anyone who was in the area between 11.45am and 12pm on Thursday 12 May, and saw any suspicious behaviour to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”
DC Middlemiss also urged residents to vigilant and report any similar incidents to the police.
He added: “It is important to be alert and ensure you don’t let anyone into your home unless you are totally sure who they are.
“If you receive any suspicious callers to your home, don’t let them in and contact the police as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact DC Karl Middlemiss, of Northallerton CID, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12110077042.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
