Police have renewed their appeal to find an alleged suspect who attempted to burgle the home of a 102-year-old man.
The attempted burglary happened on January 17 at 1pm in the Fox Hill area, when two men attempted to gain entry to a pensioner’s house pretending to be two repairmen who needed to carry out services.
However, officers say the plan was disturbed by a timely visitor, preventing the elderly man from any harm. They have urged people to get in touch if they recognise one of the alleged offenders.
People living in Fox Hill have been left stunned by the burglary.
One person in her 70s described it as “shocking” and expressed their disbelief that such a brazen case happened in their community, where a significant proportion of elderly people live.
“It is alarming to think that such a vulnerable member in our community could be targeted like this,” said one resident also in her 70s.
Another person who lives in Fox Hill, who cares for her elderly mother, said: “It’s shocking and concerning because I have old people in my own home.”
In response to the incident, some residents said that they will take extra cautions, particularly when unfamiliar or unexpected visitors knocking the door.
People said they will also pay extra attention with checking company ID cards and check whether they have had letters about work taking place.
South Yorkshire Police released an e-fit image of one of the suspects who is described as the white in his early 40s, with blonde hair and a slim build.
Alex Grove, communication officer from South Yorkshire Police, said that officers remain in contact with the victim and are continuing to offer support to him in light of this incident.
“Enquiries are ongoing to locate those involved in this attempted burglary, with officers having already carried out extensive CCTV and area searches,” he said.
Police are calling for anyone who has seen this man coming forward.
If you can help, you can pass information to police online or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 412 of 17 January 2024.
