Woman swindles OAPs out of cash

9:51am Wednesday 12th September 2001

A con-woman claiming to have lost her house keys is swindling money from Bromley pensioners.

The woman, who is in her 30s and is snartly dressed, knocks on people's doors, claiming to have lost the keys to her new house.

After telling residents her mother keeps a spare key, she asks for a “loan” for bus, train or taxi fare and promises to return the cash later.

One of the victims, 74-year-old Kate Clark, of Hayne Road, Beckenham, gave the woman £5.

She said: “I know it was my own stupid fault, I feel ashamed for falling for it.”

Another victim, 65-year-old Pat Hay, from Farnborough, gave the woman a £20 note because she did not have any change. The woman told Mrs Hay, 65, and her husband, Keith, 64, she had a friend living in the road with a spare set of keys, but did not know the number of the house.

Ten minutes later, as Mr Hay left for work, the woman returned asking for a drink of water.

Mrs Hay, who is mentally and physically handicapped following a stroke, said: “She told me the key was with her mother in a hospital and I lent her £20 for a bus.”

One person, Shana Rahman, of Penrith Close, Beckenham, had a lucky escape when her mother, Alison Brown, who was visiting, recognised the bogus caller's story.

The con-woman had already been spinning her tales to Mrs Brown's neighbours in The Close, Elmers End.

Mrs Rahman, 28, said: “Later, I saw a bloke hiding at the side of a building while the woman went into someone else's home.

“I also saw them counting the money together.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware this caller is operating in Bromley, particularly in the Beckenham area.

“If she knocks on your door and asks for money for a cab or bus fare, shut your door and call 999 immediately, so we can catch her.”

Anyone with any information, should call Bromley police on 01689 891212.

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