Police issue warning following distraction burglary incidents in Shrewsbury
Police in Shrewsbury are once again reminding local residents about the dangers posed by distraction burglars after three incidents over the past couple of days.
The two most recent incidents occurred on Moston Green and Pool Rise in Shrewsbury between 12pm and 2pm yesterday afternoon.
In both instances an unknown man knocked on the door of an elderly resident of the street, stated that he was from the ‘water board' and then said he needed to check the water in the property.
In Pool Rise, the 89-year-old woman targeted refused to let the unknown man into her house and he was forced to leave the scene, but unfortunately, on Moston Green the man managed to talk the 80-year-old woman into letting him into her home.
Detective Inspector Mick Homden, from CID in Shrewsbury, said:
"Having let the man into her house the woman was asked to check the flow of water from her kitchen taps while the man went to check the water flow in the bathroom. After a short period of time the man came back into the kitchen, told the woman there seemed to be nothing wrong with her water and then left the property.
"A short time later the woman discovered that more than £300 was missing from her home - £150 of which had been taken from her handbag.
"The man who entered the woman's house is described as being white, 5ft 6inches to 5ft 10inches tall, as being aged in his mid 30s and as having an Irish accent,. He is also described as having a round face, ‘rosy' cheeks and as wearing a dark blue jacket and dark trousers.
"This description is similar to the one of the man that approached the property on Pool Rise and investigating officers are also looking into the possibility that this man approached other addresses too.
"These two incidents in Shrewsbury come just a day after a distraction burglary in Whitehouse Gardens in the town when a 91-year-old lady was targeted by a bogus caller. At just after 3pm on Tuesday, the victim saw the offender take her purse and managed to alert her neighbours to the fact she was being burgled.
"Her neighbours responded by grabbing the man as he tried to flee the scene and holding onto him until police officers arrived. This man, a 32-year-old, was immediately arrested and has since been charged with burglary and assault. He has now been remanded in custody.
"This incident clearly shows how important it is to look out for elderly neighbours in your community and the individuals that helped apprehend this offender deserve great credit.
"In light of all these recent incidents, we would once again like to warn people to be on their guard if an unknown caller comes to the door. Please make a point of checking their identification and only let them in once you have carried out every possible check to ensure they are a genuine caller.
"Residents, especially elderly or vulnerable people, are reminded to exercise extreme caution when opening the door to someone they do not know.
"Callers from utility companies will carry an identification badge which should be carefully checked, and genuine callers will not mind waiting outside while checks are made with the organisation they claim to represent.
"Meanwhile anyone with information that could help officers investigating yesterday's incidents in Shrewsbury is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you'd prefer to pass on information without identifying yourself."
