Police are searching for a would-be thief carrying a clipboard who tried to burgle two homes posing as a gas fitter.

A PSNI spokesman said: "The first incident occurred at a house in the Apsley Street area of Belfast at approximately 9.35am on Friday, January 15.

"The second occurred at a house in the Elm Street area of Belfast between 10.00am and 10.30am on Wednesday, January 20.

"In both cases the man alleged that he was there to check the gas boiler. In both incidents the man was admitted to the house. It does not appear that anything was stolen in either incident.

"The male in the first incident is described as being approximately 6’ tall, heavy build and aged in his 30’s. He was wearing a grey fleece, grey woolly hat and grey/beige trousers. He was carrying a clipboard."

PSNI Detective Inspector Pete Mullan added: “I would urge people to please be aware of their elderly or vulnerable neighbours or family members and share the following crime prevention measures with them.

"Take a moment to think before you open the door and use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise the person.




The PSNI have appealed for information from anyone who witnessed the man in either of these areas to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.