An elderly pensioner had money stolen from her house by an unknown woman.
The woman in her 80s was inside the property on Wellstead Road in Wavetree when the incident took place at around 9am on Thursday, November 22.
An unknown woman entered the property and left a short time later after which it was discovered a large quantity of cash had gone missing.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and Merseyside Police have issued a CCTV image of a woman they believe may have vital information to assist the investigation.
Detective Inspector Lisa Ryan said: “This incident against a vulnerable and elderly woman has understandably left her feeling distressed and afraid in her own home. It is absolutely shocking that someone could steal from a woman in her 80s.
“We are particularly keen to speak to the woman pictured as we believe she could have information to assist our ongoing enquiries and I would ask anyone who recognises her, or has any information about the incident, to please get in touch.
“We are supporting the victim at this upsetting time and I want to assure people that we will act on all information provided to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.
“In the meantime, there are some things we can all do to ensure that vulnerable family and friends are kept safe from such callous and opportunistic criminals.
“I would ask people to take a few minutes and ensure that people in your care are given the right advice and guidance, work which we also regularly carry out in our communities.
- Do not open your door if you are unsure who the caller is. Always make sure you know who visitors are by asking to see their identification.
- Never let people into your property if you don’t know them.
- Always keep the key chain on the door whilst talking to callers and always check their ID before letting them into your home.
- Genuine callers won’t mind you doing this. If callers haven’t got valid identification, don’t let them in.
- Bogus callers often pretend to be someone official, for example, from a utility company or the water board. They will also try to distract people by asking for a drink of water or if they can use the toilet. Remember “if in doubt, keep them out”.
- Remember to close and lock the back door before you answer the front door.
- It’s a good idea to have a viewer or spy hole and a stout chain fitted to all the external doors to the property.
- Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home. It’s better in the bank where it’s safe.
- If someone asks for your help (for example, if they want to make a telephone call or claim to have lost a ball in your garden) always ask a friend or neighbour, or someone else you trust, for help
Anyone with information which could help the police with their inquiries is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference number 18400043880 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.