Thieves targeting the elderly

Be aware of strangers coming to your door.

Rotorua residents are being warned to look out for thieves who are taking advantage of the elderly.

The warning from police comes after two separate incidents in which elderly people have been targeted, in the Victoria and Fenton Park areas.

About 4pm on Friday 99-year-old Roy Tucker heard a knock at his door and went to open it.

A man appeared, claiming they knew each other and insisting he should come inside. Before Mr Tucker had time to protest, the man kicked the door, forced his way into the house and began going through his belongings.

"I told him 'I don't know you' and he said 'yes you do' and then he started going through anything he could get his hands on. He went through everything ... he even helped himself to the fridge, and half near tipped the house upside down," he said.

Mr Tucker, a World War II veteran who fought at Crete, said he felt powerless to stop the man, who was considerably bigger and stronger than him.

The man stayed for more than an hour rummaging through Mr Tucker's property, before fleeing with his wallet, iPad and several sentimental items, including a piece of Antarctic rock, which had been gifted to him by Sir Edmund Hillary.

Mr Tucker said the theft was "devastating", though he was grateful his prized war medals were at another property.

Police described the offender as Maori, 30 to 40-years-old, riding a yellow bike with a red bike chain wrapped around the seat.

Rotorua police crime prevention manager Inspector Stuart Nightingale said police had spoken to two people in connection with the bicycle and searched an address, but there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone at this stage.

Mr Nightingale said a similar incident had occurred recently in Fenton Park. "A man has approached an elderly person at the door, with what appears to be a well-rehearsed story, asking for money."

When the man was sent away he went to another address with another story, he said.

Mr Nightingale described that man as Maori, about 28, with short dark hair and of medium build, who was well-dressed and well-spoken.

He was with a Maori woman of slim build, who was about 25, and had long black hair.

"They will come across as quite engaging and authentic, but police have no doubt that their intentions are dishonest."

Mr Nightingale said this type of offending was unusual.

"This is where a person knocks on the front door, engages in conversation, specifically trying to win the confidence of elderly people, with dishonest intentions."

He said anyone with information about these people, or similar incidents, particularly if the person has been let in the house and taken something, is urged to contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.