Warning to be aware after Whitchurch Pensioner burgled
A distraction burglar lured an 86-year-old Shropshire pensioner out of his home while an accomplice sneaked into the premises and stole cash.
The burglary happened between 10am and 10.30am yesterday at a house in Brookfield, Whitchurch.
A stranger knocked on the door and told the occupant he was "from the council" and needed to check the boundary fence in the back garden.
After locking the front door, the pensioner joined the man in the garden. While being distracted, another person sneaked in through the back door and stole money from a wallet.
A few minutes later, after pretending to make a survey of the boundary fence, the man left.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "People need to be wary of strangers knocking on the door claiming to be from the council, the water board or some other utility company.
"Under no circumstances let them into your home, whatever the reason they give for being there. Also, it is easy to be distracted where you can be drawn out of the house thereby allowing an accomplice to sneak in.
"Stay in you house, do no let strangers in. It's extremely rare for official work people from the council or a company to call without previous written notification. So don't let strangers in, make a telephone check afterwards and if you are still suspicious, call the police on 0300 333 3000."
The suspect in this case is described as white, aged around 40 to 45, about 5ft 7ins tall, of slim to medium build, with untidy and fuzzy dark brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark coloured check shirt and dark trousers.
Whitchurch police have appealed for witnesses or any information which might assist their investigation. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.
Further advice on how to prevent distraction burglaries is available under the Home and Garden Security section of the West Mercia Police website, http://www.westmercia.police.uk/
