Cash stolen as distraction burglars target elderly Shrewsbury resident
An elderly woman in Shrewsbury had cash stolen from her by distraction burglars who called at her home late this afternoon.
It happened just before 4.45pm in Long Row, Ditherington, after the woman, who is in her 80s, answered the door to three men who claimed that a nearby property had flooded and they needed to check her water supply.
While she was distracted one of them took around £300 in cash from the property which she discovered was missing after they had left. They walked off towards Mount Pleasant Road.
All three offenders were white and wearing baseball caps. One appeared to be in his 30s, and had a large build. The others looked younger and were tall and thin.
Detective Inspector Mick Homden of West Mercia Police said: "The victim had just been to a bank on Mount Pleasant Road and it is possible she may have been followed from there.
"We would urge householders to be on their guard and if men of this description turn up at your door then please call the police on 999 immediately.
"Distraction burglars often target the elderly and people need to be reminded never to let strangers inside their home whatever the reason they give.
"Tell them to go away and that you are calling the police. Remember the slogan - ‘If in doubt, keep them out'."
Anyone who may have seen the offenders in the area or has information about any vehicle they may be using is asked to contact officers at Shrewsbury Police Station on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 189-N-090312, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
