Woman Threatened With Letter Opener Near Bournemouth

22 December 2014, 06:29

Police are looking for two burglars, who tied up and threatened a woman with a letter opener at her home near Bournemouth.

Between 7pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 December 2014, two masked men entered an address on Christchurch Road at West Parley, near to the Parley Cross traffic lights.

The offenders threatened the female occupant with a bladed weapon while she was downstairs and demanded money. They ordered the victim upstairs before tying her up by her wrists and ankles.

An unknown quantity of cash and two dark coloured briefcases containing sentimental items were stolen.

One of the briefcases is described as an old fashioned-type with opening clips. The second case has silver markings at the top, rounded corners and a code dial to unlock.

Offenders also stole a quantity of jewellery, including a distinctive ‘jacket’ ring, which is a wishbone-shaped ring with diamonds on each wishbone and a diamond ring set inside.

Both men wore masks and are described as being between five feet four inches and six feet tall and of medium build.

The first man wore all dark clothing and a hood over his head and face.

The second offender wore blue tracksuit trousers with a white stripe down the side and a dark coloured hooded top with the hood up.

Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Bournemouth CID, said:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim who was home alone at the time. Thankfully she was uninjured.

“I would like to reassure members of public that crimes such as this are rare in Dorset.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time of this incident and noticed anyone acting suspiciously or saw anything out of the ordinary to come forward.

“If you have been offered for sale any of the unusual items described, I urge you to call Dorset Police on 101.

“All calls will be dealt with in strict confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 17:400. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.