Ruddington Parish Council warns it has been made aware of some incidents of distraction crime that have taken place in the village recently.
One resident had £90 taken from her purse whilst speaking to a man of Eastern European appearance outside the Co-op on Church Street. The lady was approached and asked if she had any change. After taking her purse out of her handbag to check, the man asked her a series of questions about its contents – presumably to distract her whilst he stole the cash. A second incident occurred outside the chip shop, but on this occasion the resident didn’t take out her purse and nothing was taken.
UPDATE: The man officers would like to speak to in connection with these incidents is white, aged between 27 and 40-years-old, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins tall and of a slim build with short dark hair. He is of Eastern European appearance and had an Eastern European accent. He wore a black/dark green jacket and black bottoms. Police have released the CCTV footage below:
As reported previously, there have also been reports of a number of ‘rogue trader’ incidents, where vulnerable residents have been over-charged for remedial works that didn’t need doing. Whether you’re at home or out and about in Ruddington, please stay vigilant. Don’t answer the door at home if you’re not expecting visitors and don’t engage strangers in conversation at any time.
If you have any information about any of these crimes, please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
