Derbyshire Constabulary is urgently seeking information after an elderly woman experienced a distressing distraction burglary in Chesterfield, resulting in the theft of a substantial amount of cash.
The incident unfolded on December 31, 2023, when an individual approached the victim at her residence on Cartmel Crescent. The man claimed to be authorised by a neighbour to conduct repair work and requested an upfront fee of several hundred pounds. The victim, trusting the explanation, handed over the money before any work was commenced.
On January 16, 2024, around 16.00 GMT, the same man returned accompanied by a younger accomplice. They entered the woman’s home, asserting the need for an additional cash advance to cover material costs for the agreed-upon work. While the elderly woman retrieved the cash from a safe in another room, the older man followed her, instructing her to bring the money to be counted in the presence of the younger man.
During this moment, the older man seized a cash box containing a substantial sum, and both perpetrators fled the property. Despite the victim’s attempt to chase them, they managed to escape in a car parked on Coniston Road.
The older suspect is described as a white male in his 50s or 60s, wearing a blue/grey jumper, a black anorak, and a flat cap. He spoke with an Irish accent. The younger accomplice, also white, was taller than the older man, standing between 5ft 9ins and 6ft tall. He had fair hair, a middle parting, and wore jeans with a checked shirt.
Authorities are urging anyone in the Cartmel Crescent and Coniston Road area with relevant information or dash cam footage to come forward. Additionally, they are keen to hear from the driver of a white Citroen DS3, believed to be a driving instructor, as they might have valuable information to assist in the investigation.
If you have information, please contact Derbyshire Constabulary, by calling 101 quoting reference 24*32126.
Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.
