Thieves Pose As Workmen


Men attempt to burgle Wimbledon office

Police have released an image of two men who are believed to have attempted to burgle a travel agent in Wimbledon.

On Wednesday May 9 at approx 12.30pm the two men went into the travel agents on St George's Road dressed as workmen in high visibility vests (see right).

They told the staff in the shop they needed to have a look around the office.

The men also told staff in the shop that they had been instructed to have a look at the 3rd and 4th floors as there had been reports of cracking on the stairs.

One man said there were cracks in the stairwell and took a female member of staff over towards the door whilst the second suspect started walking around the office.

The entire incident lasted about five minutes and at times the men walked off on their own around the office leaving the female worker on her own.

They had tape measures out but weren't taking notes and just tapped walls and supporting columns.

The female worker called her manager to confirm if the office should be expecting any workers. Her manager confirmed she hadn't advised any contractors to come to the building. The men then immediately left.

The staff member noticed that one of the men had seen the safe and it looked like he had tried to open it.

Detective Inspector, Daniel O'Sullivan, from the Merton Robbery Squad: "We are appealing for anyone who may know these men or know anything about this attempted robbery to come forward.

"Both men are white and in their late thirties. They were both wearing black baseball caps and yellow high visibility jackets, I would urge anybody who does recognise them to call police and assist us in our investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 020 8649 4044 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

May 11, 2012