Woman Robbed Twice By The Same Man

Police in Portsmouth are appealing for witnesses after a woman had money stolen from her in Apsley Road, Southsea at around 12.30pm on Tuesday, May 8.

The woman, in her 60s, had just got off a bus in Goldsmith Avenue near Tesco Express when she was approached by a man in a small white van who said she owed money for building work. The woman has learning difficulties and became confused.
She handed over an amount of money to him and continued home.

After being at home at an address in Alverstone Road for around five minutes the same man knocked at the door and asked the woman for more money. When the woman handed over more cash the man left the address.

The man is described as:

-White

-Approximately 5ft 2ins tall

-Thin build

-Wearing a dark blue baseball cap, a plain blue waist length jacket, navy trousers with white stripes down the outer leg

PC Nicola Cory said:

"This incident happened in broad daylight in a residential area. It is thankfully a rare occurrence but has caused the victim distress."

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or can help identify the man in the van is asked to contact PC Cory or Special Constable Heather Wensley at Portsmouth Central police station on 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962
875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.