Elderly warned to be on guard following distraction burglaries in Shropshire
Elderly people in Shropshire were today warned to be on their guard against bogus callers following three distraction burglaries across the county.
Burglars talked their way into the homes of elderly people at Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry during a four-hour period yesterday afternoon.
Police believe the same two men may have been responsible and today appealed for any information about suspicious activity which might assist their investigation.
In all three incidents, the victims were people in their eighties. Cash was stolen in each case and a ladies Rolex watch was also stolen in the Oswestry burglary.
The burglars used a similar story each time, claiming a window had been accidentally damaged and they needed to come inside to check the damage. In the Shrewsbury and Oswestry incidents, the callers claimed a relative had smashed a window using a catapult.
The first burglary happened at a house in Chockleys Drive, Leegomery between 12.35pm and 1.20pm yesterday. An unknown male rang the front door intercom saying he was delivering a parcel. When the door was opened, the man barged inside and then told the occupant his patio window was broken.
While keeping the householder distracted, a second man sneaked inside. They were told to leave and shortly after £70 was found missing from a wallet.
A similar burglary occurred at a home in Wellmeadow Road, Shrewsbury, between 3.30pm and 3.50pm where two men concocted a story about their daughter accidentally damaging the conservatory windows with a catapult. Again, the householder was distracted, allowing one of the callers to make a search. A purse containing about £42 was stolen.
The third burglary happened at Queen's Head, near Oswestry at around 4.30pm where £80 and a ladies 1951 Rolex Oyster watch with a hexagonal face and gold link bracelet was stolen. Two young men claimed their sister had cracked the bathroom window with a catapult and they wanted to check out the damage.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Fortunately, distraction burglaries are fairly rare in Shropshire, but when they happen, elderly people are usually targeted and everyone's needs to be aware.
"The golden rule is not to let strangers calling at your door inside whatever reason they give. Tell them to go away and if they persist, say you are calling the police.
"If you see anything which raises your suspicions it's important to contact the police by calling 0300 333 3000 so we can check it out. But remember not to let strangers inside the home unless you have received prior written notification they are calling."
