Hunt For Southampton Conwoman

Police at Bitterne have released a CCTV image of a woman they need to identify in connection with a distraction burglary and two attempted distractions on the same day.

The woman is slim, in her early twenties and wore a hat and knitted scarf.

The suspect is believed to have struck first at the home of a 76-year-old widow in Pepys Avenue, Thornhill, early Wednesday afternoon, February 20.

Claiming to have lost her cat, the burglar then said she felt faint. When the resident went to get her a glass of water, the visitor took the victim's purse.

It is believed the same woman attempted to dupe two other residents, one in Pepys Avenue and another in Tatwin Close. She claimed to need a phone to get help for a sick relative and to have lost a dog. On neither occasion did the residents allow the
woman into their homes.

Police want to hear from anyone who recognises the woman in the photograph or who has seen her. They also are reminding residents to be vigilant and to check the identification of unknown callers.

"Under no circumstances should residents allow total strangers into their homes, no matter what story they tell. Shut and lock the door and ring the police if you have suspicions" said PC Lee Murden.

Anyone with information about the woman in the photograph is asked to contact PC Murden at Bitterne CID on 101.