Shropshire distraction burglaries investigated as part of UK-wide investigation
Thieves believed responsible for more than 20 distraction burglaries across the UK, including three in Shropshire are being hunted by police.
A national police group believes the same offenders may be responsible for 23 distraction burglaries in West Mercia, the West Midlands, Wiltshire, Gloucester, Thames Valley, Gwent, London and South Wales over the summer.
Similar distraction techniques have been used to gain access to the homes of elderly people. In almost every case, the burglars have fabricated a story about smashing a window then wanting to inspect the damage.
Thousands of pounds have been stolen in cash and property from the victims, most of whom are in their eighties and nineties.
All three incidents in Shropshire happened during the afternoon of August 30 at the homes of elderly people in Telford, Shrewsbury and Queens Head, near Oswestry.
In the first, at Leegomery, a stranger barged his way into a home engaging the occupant in conversation about his patio door being broken. While distracted, a second man has entered searching rooms and stolen cash from a wallet.
Just over two hours later, two men called at the home of an elderly woman in Shrewsbury. One of them claimed his mother lived close by and that his daughter had accidentally smashed one of her conservatory windows with a catapult. They wanted to come inside to inspect the damage. Again, after being distracted, the victim later found drawers had been searched and money stolen.
A similar story about a window being cracked by a catapult was given by two men who called on an elderly couple at Queens Head. They claimed their sister had broken a pane and following a confusing conversation, one of the men sneaked into a bedroom. When confronted, he said he was checking for damage. The men fled with cash when the occupant threatened to call the police.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Fortunately, this kind of distraction burglary involving elderly victims, is fairly unusual in Shropshire. However, these three offences are similar and appear to be linked.
"We would remind people to be on their guard and never to let strangers knocking on their door inside the home, whatever the reason they give. If possible keep the door closed - the best policy is to get a security chain fitted. Utility companies such as the water authority and the council usually write in advance should they need to attend premises, so the golden rule is not to let strangers in under any circumstances.
"If you are suspicious or concerned, call the police on 0300 333 3000 immediately."
The 23 burglaries are being investigated by Operation Liberal, a national police unit which analyses intelligence and maintains a database of crimes, offenders, vehicles, forensic information and images.
Formed in 1988, the unit involves all police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, co-ordinating the investigation of distraction burglaries.
