A 19-year-old man has been charged following a distraction burglary in Barrow which occurred last week.

The incident took place between 5.30pm and 6pm on Wednesday 19 August at a property in Mill Lane.

A man called at the door offering to cut the hedge at the address, which the victim – a woman aged in her 70s – declined. He then asked if he could use the toilet and so the victim allowed him to come into the house. Once inside he also requested a glass of water.

The victim later discovered her purse was missing, which contained a number of bank/credit cards.

Lewis Falco, of Bridge End Road, Red Lodge, was arrested in connection with the incident the following day (Thursday 20 August) and was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He was subsequently charged with four offences as follows: one count of burglary; and three counts of fraud by false representation (in relation to the use of stolen bank or credit cards).

Falco appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 22 August, where he was remanded in custody, pending a next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on a date to be fixed.