Police have arrested a suspect after a vulnerable man was targeted in a distraction burglary.
The pensioner was in his caravan when he answered a knock at the door on Tuesday morning (6 December) to a man offering to do some gardening.
The 77-year-old agreed to pay him £260 for the work – outside his static caravan at a mobile home park off Old Mill Lane, Forest Town.
After the work was done, the pensioner fetched a jar of cash and the man offered to help him open it. He then took out a large number of bank notes before handing the jar back to the pensioner.
Before he left, the man suggested he get his friend over to check the caravan roof.
The friend arrived but the pensioner declined his offer of extensive repair work after quoting him £1,000.
The pair then left and the pensioner went to check his money jars and wallet. At this point, he discovered approximately £770 was missing.
A short time later, the initial caller returned and the pensioner made a note of his registration number after asking him to leave.
The police were called and officers tracked the vehicle down and arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of burglary and theft.
Detective Sergeant Jo Eaton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a despicable crime carried out on a vulnerable person.
“Although we have made an arrest, our inquiries are ongoing and I would urge anyone with information relating to this incident to please come forward.
“I would also urge people – especially those who are vulnerable – not to answer the door to anybody who calls unannounced, especially somebody claiming to be a workman.
“No reputable workman or engineer would call in this way so please do not allow them into your home. If you are concerned about somebody then please call the police at the earliest opportunity.”
Anyone with information about that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting incident 262 of 6 December 2022. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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