Distraction theft in Balfron
Officers are appealing for information following a theft in Balfron.
Around 10.30am on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, a man called at the door of an 80-year-old man in Balfron and was told a number of his ponies had got loose from the paddock.
The man who provided the information accompanied the 80-year-old man to go and locate the ponies.
This was to distract the man and while he was away, his home was broken into. A number of items were stolen, including a watch, a bronze statue and a set of cutlery.
The man who came to the door is white, around 5ft. 5 inches in height with a medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a furry hat.
Officers believe two other men entered the house. The first is described as in his late 20s and early 30s, with short hair and wearing dark clothing. The second man was in his early 20s, with a thin face. He was wearing a mask in an effort to disguise himself. He too was wearing dark clothing.
Enquiries carried out so far have established that the suspects were using a black, pick-up type of vehicle. Officers are appealing for any information and are advising people to be extra vigilant and look out for any suspicious people or vehicles.
Sergeant Sarah Stephenson said: “The people involved in this are despicable. They have deliberately set out to distract this man so they can gain entry and steal his belongings. I am asking anyone who was in the area that day to think back and consider if they noticed anything suspicious. In particular, I would ask motorists with dash cams to look at their footage as it may have captured an image which could be useful in our investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0929 of 18 January, 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.
The man who provided the information accompanied the 80-year-old man to go and locate the ponies.
This was to distract the man and while he was away, his home was broken into. A number of items were stolen, including a watch, a bronze statue and a set of cutlery.
The man who came to the door is white, around 5ft. 5 inches in height with a medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a furry hat.
Officers believe two other men entered the house. The first is described as in his late 20s and early 30s, with short hair and wearing dark clothing. The second man was in his early 20s, with a thin face. He was wearing a mask in an effort to disguise himself. He too was wearing dark clothing.
Enquiries carried out so far have established that the suspects were using a black, pick-up type of vehicle. Officers are appealing for any information and are advising people to be extra vigilant and look out for any suspicious people or vehicles.
Sergeant Sarah Stephenson said: “The people involved in this are despicable. They have deliberately set out to distract this man so they can gain entry and steal his belongings. I am asking anyone who was in the area that day to think back and consider if they noticed anything suspicious. In particular, I would ask motorists with dash cams to look at their footage as it may have captured an image which could be useful in our investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0929 of 18 January, 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.
