POLICE are urging residents living on the east coast and across Norfolk and Suffolk to be alert after receiving a report of a distraction burglary in Gorleston.

The distraction burglary incident happened in Gorleston on Sunday, March 11. A young man with short dark hair called at the home of a woman in her 80s and claimed he had lost his football when it went over the fence into her garden.

The woman went to see if she could help him find it but there was no trace of the ball and he left. Shortly afterwards the woman discovered her purse and items of jewellery had been stolen from her home and it is thought the young man was a distraction while his accomplice entered her home.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call DC Colin Aris at the Operation Radar team at Norfolk Constabulary on 101.

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately, using 999 if the person is still in the vicinity or if you believe they may be targeting vulnerable householders, or the new non-emergency number 101 if you have information you wish to pass to officers.

Police are advising that people always check the identification of callers claiming to work for official companies - closing the door and calling the company concerned via a number in the phone book if necessary. Genuine callers will be happy to wait.

Be cautious when dealing with any unexpected calls or visits. Be alert for stories which may be a trick to get you to leave your home, to get you to let the caller into your property or if someone appears to be attempting to distract you.