Officers ask Harborough residents to be vigilant after bogus policeman burgles three homes in Leicestershire

Police are warning older people and their loved ones to be on their guard after the string of crimes in the county on Tuesday March 10.

The fake officer is now being hunted by police before he strikes again anywhere in Leicestershire.

A terrified man in his 80s was stabbed with a screwdriver as the violent offender struck in Leicester, Loughborough and Narborough.

In three of the four incidents – in Leicester and Loughborough – the suspect plundered cash and jewellery from his elderly victims.

Ch Insp Steve Riley said: “While our investigations into each of these incidents continues, we would like to take the opportunity to remind people not to let anyone into their home if they are unsure of their identity.

“I would urge anyone who has elderly family members, friends or neighbours to pass this message on and encourage them to remain vigilant.

“If you know someone you believe may be at risk and has a chain fitted to their door, please encourage them to use it.”

He encouraged people to ask police officers to show them identification if they do turn up at their door.

“A police officer will always carry valid identification.

“And if you are in any doubt about who the person at your door is claiming to be, you are entitled to ask them to produce it,” said Ch Insp Riley.

“Our investigation into each of the reports received on Tuesday is continuing and we would ask anyone who has information to contact police.”

The suspect, claiming to be a police officer, forced his way into a house in Kirkstone Drive, Loughborough, at about 7pm on Tuesday.

A stunned householder in his 80s was injured when he was stabbed with a screwdriver.

A woman in her 70s was also assaulted before the thug fled with a haul of the couple’s jewellery.

Shortly before 8pm, police received a report of burglary at a house in Chadwick Walk, Beaumont Leys, Leicester.

A man knocked on the door and pushed past the occupant, a woman in her 70s, when she opened it.

The offender stole jewellery, cash and a mobile phone before fleeing.

The third incident happened just before 8.30pm in Mill Hill Lane, Highfields, Leicester.

The suspect forced his way in past a shocked woman in her 70s, shoved her to the floor and pinched money and jewellery.

At 8.45pm, police were told a man visited a house in Stainmore Avenue, Narborough, and claimed to be a police officer.

He quickly left when the residents became suspicious and alerted police.

Det Sgt Scott Cairns, of the Complex Investigation team, said: “At this time we’re linking each of the incidents as in all reports the suspect told the victims he was a police officer.

“We think the same person or people are responsible for each incident.”

He added: “In each report, the man was wearing a high-visibility jacket and had their face covered.

“Given the time that each incident occurred, it’s believed the suspect or suspects used a vehicle.

“I’d like to speak to anyone who has any information or who was also visited by someone claiming to be a police officer but has not yet contacted police.

“Any details you’re able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, could help our investigation.”

If you have any information then call police on 101, quoting incident 521 of 10 March.

You can find out more information about crime prevention by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/