Elderly woman assaulted in her own home in Pilgrims Hatch

Danbury Close in Pilgrims Hatch (credit: Google Maps)

A woman in her 80s has been dragged through her own home as a man stole her personal items.

Police say they are investigating a robbery at the victim’s home in Danbury Close in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood.

At around 9.30am on Sunday, 19 January, a man knocked on her door and claimed to be there in order to remove overhanging tree branches.

But the suspect then forced his way into her home and pushed and dragged the woman around.

He forced her into her bedroom and onto her bed and then searched through doors and cupboards in the room, taking some of her belongings and putting them in his pockets.

The suspect then fled the property.

The woman was treated for minor injuries and left shaken by what had happened.

“This was a despicable attack on a vulnerable person in their own home and our enquiries are continuing to find the person responsible.” said investigating officer Detective Constable Edward Gosling.

“If you have any information about this crime, or the whereabouts of the white van, please contact the team at Brentwood CID on 101, quoting reference 42/10063/20.”

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious behaviour, or has had a similar approach made to them at their home by a person they do not know.

Detectives are also looking for a white Vauxhall Corsa van, with the number plate WN56 VTE, which was seen in the area around the time of the offence.

“Fortunately incidents such as this are rare, but I would like to encourage the community to remain vigilant.

“If you are not expecting anyone at your home, try to find out who is at your door first by looking through an adjacent window.

“Alternatively speak to the person through a closed door, ask them to put their ID through the letterbox for you to see and don’t be afraid to be rude. If the person is genuine, they will understand.

“If you feel concerned or feel threatened by an individual who has turned up at your home unannounced, dial 999. If it is not an emergency, call 101 or make a report online.”

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org