Burglars steal ashes from 83-year-old widow's house in Greenwich
Police are hunting for two men, one of whom sneaked into the pensioner's home while she was distracted by the other, in Greenwich.
Sunday 16 September 2018 15:14, UK
A dead man's ashes have been stolen after two men conned their way into an 83-year-old widow's home, the Met Police have said.
The ashes were contained in a heart-shaped silver locket and heart-shaped box which were snatched from the home in Greenwich, southeast London, along with the woman's wedding ring.
Police say the alleged distraction burglary has had a "devastating effect" on the widow and have appealed for help to track down the suspects.
Detective Constable Robert Costigan said: "This is a particularly harrowing crime that targeted a vulnerable member of our society.
"The victim had possessions stolen that are irreplaceable and this has had a devastating effect upon her."
The Met Police said that at about 2pm on Friday a man knocked on the pensioner's door, claiming to be a plumber who had come to inspect a leak coming from her home in Annandale Road, SE10.
A second man is thought to have entered the house while the pensioner was talking to the first man.
After they had left, the elderly woman noticed the locket and box had been stolen along with gold chains and cash.
:: Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.