Two attempted distraction burglaries (If in doubt, keep them out)

Police are now linking two attempted distraction burglaries in Southwick and Worthing on the same day last week.

The first happened around 5pm in Cortis Avenue, Worthing, when a man knocked on the door of a house last Wednesday 14 April claiming to be from the water board and saying that there had been an explosion up the road and he needed to check taps and water pressure. He showed the woman householder a card with a photo and some initials, but no company name.

While the suspect 'worked' on the kitchen sink, he asked the woman to go and flush a toilet. She grew suspicious, recognising his actions as those of a distraction burglar and said that she was going to call a neighbour to help check the water upstairs. The suspect said there was no need, but the woman went to her lounge to call her neighbour and the man quickly left. Nothing appears to have been stolen.

The man is described as white, aged around 30, about 5' 5", of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark navy blue jumper and dark trousers. Anyone who saw a man fitting this description in the area around 5pm is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1339 of 14/04.

In the second incident, an elderly couple in Downsway, Southwick, opened the door to a man at 6.30pm on the same day saying he was from the water board and there had been an explosion down the road and needed to check their taps and water pressure. He stayed for about 20 minutes and then another man joined him and asked the couple to change two £10 notes for a £20 note, which they did not have. They then left. Nothing was stolen.

Sussex Police advise that if you don't know who is calling at your house to take your time - a genuine caller will wait for you to contact a utility company to check their identity. Look up the number in your phone book or from a utility bill, don't accept a mobile number offered by the caller.

You do not have to let people in and if you are uncertain then don't, however persuasive or plausible the caller is. It is better that a genuine caller is turned away than a burglar is let in. Call the police immediately if you become the victim of one of these burglars or if you see anyone behaving suspiciously near where you live.