David BalePolice hunting a bogus window cleaner who has targeted five elderly people in south Norwich in just four weeks today reassured residents they have stepped up patrols in the area to catch the criminal.David Bale

Police hunting a bogus window cleaner who has targeted five elderly people in south Norwich in just four weeks today

reassured residents they have stepped up patrols in the area to catch the criminal.

Police are also speaking to elderly residents in sheltered housing and those who live in their own homes offering advice and reassurance.

The con-artist has targeted sheltered housing in the Lakenham and Tuckswood area of the city, gaining entry through unlocked doors and has stolen handbags and purses.

Police believe the unknown man is taking advantage of the warmer weather which means residents tend to leave their windows and doors unlocked.

Sergeant David Jerman, from the Lakenham and Tuckswood Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said 'We are actively holding talks with the elderly and also letter dropping with packs of advice.

'Officers will also be visiting local hairdressers and doctors' surgeries where they will leave packs for residents to have access to.

'Our team feel it is vitally important to liaise with residents who are of a vulnerable nature so we can find the person/s responsible for these despicable crimes.

'Bogus callers and rogue traders often prey on residents such as this, providing plausible cover stories.

'We would ask anyone who has been approached by people touting for business as a window cleaner to get in touch with Norfolk Constabulary.'

Lakenham city councillor Keith Driver backed police plans to step up patrols.

He said: 'That's good news and I would also urge elderly people to be more on guard. The crime rate in Lakenham has gone down, and it's now one of the best places to live in Norwich.'

As reported, on Sunday, April 18, an 87-year-old woman at the Norwich City Council-run sheltered housing scheme in Rowland Court, off Queens Road, and a 78-year-old woman at Corton Road, off Bracondale, were both targeted.

If you have any information on burglaries in your area contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567, 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. For more information about local policing visit www.norfolk.police.uk.