Eastchurch robbery pensioner too scared to return home after being targeted by suspects dressed as police
06:00, 23 September 2020
updated: 08:18, 23 September 2020
A pensioner robbed and left traumatised after being targeted by two men posing as police officers, hasn’t been able to return to his home since the incident.
Ralph Pearman was expecting to see his wife walk into their house when he heard a knock at his front door in Eastchurch, around 10pm on Tuesday of last week.
When the 79-year-old opened it, two men dressed as police barged in grabbing him by the arms and demanding to see his driving licence before telling him he was under arrest.
In the few minutes the pair were in the house and roughed up Mr Pearman they then took his holiday money from his wallet and stolen his cards before running off.
The pensioner, who is also suffering from prostate cancer, was left with a marked cheekbone and swollen eye.
His daughter, bus driver Linnie Saunders, says her dad has been left feeling shaken and she is looking after the couple.
“I’m just so shocked these people would come into his home and do something like this,” she said.
'They are absolute scum of the earth. It could have been a lot worse, but he’s been left with the mental trauma...'
“He is really shaken up and hasn’t stayed in the house since it happened. He was up until 2.30am when it happened and every noise put him on edge.”
Mrs Saunders wants to warn people in the area with elderly parents to stay aware.
She added: “They are absolute scum of the earth. It could have been a lot worse, but he’s been left with the mental trauma.
“There’s been loads of messages of support which have helped him as he’s read them all and all of the neighbours have been helping to keep an eye out and are considering to put a camera up for him.”
Police have said suspects are between 30 to 40, of stocky build, around 5ft 8ins and with short dark hair. Both had English accents.
DC Kati Edge, of the chief constable’s crime squad, said: “While the victim was thankfully unharmed, this was an extremely distressing incident for the two residents.
“Investigators are completing inquiries to identify the suspects and we are appealing to anyone with information to contact us.
“I would like to reassure anybody with concerns that police officers in plain clothes always carry a warrant card and will be happy to show their photograph identification if asked.”
Anyone with information should call police on 01795 419119, quoting code 15-1775, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
