Shropshire’s senior detective welcomes jailing of distraction burglar
Conmen who prey on the elderly by posing as "water board" or other officials, can expect little mercy from the police and courts, says Shropshire's senior detective.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of Shropshire CID, was speaking following the six-year prison sentence imposed on 33-year-old Edward Joseph O'Neill who claimed he was from the water board to get into pensioners' homes to steal cash.
One of his victims was a 92-year-old woman from Ditherington, Shrewsbury who became suspicious and alerted a neighbour. O'Neill fled but was confronted and detained by neighbours who alerted the police.
DCI Edwards said: "People like O'Neill know no shame. They target the elderly and most vulnerable, talking their way into their homes so they can steal money and other valuables such as jewellery.
"They quite often work with an accomplice who will sneak upstairs to search bedrooms while the victim is distracted by the initial caller."
He said the most common story concocted by distraction burglars related to problems with the water. "They pretend to be from the water board or some other utility company and say something along the lines that there is a problem with water supplies in the area and they need to make tests.
"They can sound and look very plausible, insisting on coming in to make a quick check. They usually want the taps in the kitchen switched on, asking the householder to watch the water flow while they check on supplies in the bathroom.
"It's all a ruse to distract the occupant so they can search for things to steal."
DCI Edwards said the one simple rule to remember was never to let strangers knocking on the door inside the home - whatever excuse or reason given.
"Even if they offer some kind of identification, do not let them inside. Close the door and if they persist, tell them to go away and say you are calling the police. Once the door is securely shut, call a neighbour, relative or friend and if you are suspicious or concerned, contact Shrewsbury police station immediately on the 101 number."
Judge Robin Onions, sitting at Wolverhampton Crown Court, told O'Neill yesterday he had stolen the "peace of mind" of his elderly victims.
DCI Edwards added: "Fortunately, we do not get too many of these type of burglaries in Shropshire, but everyone needs to be on their guard. If people have any concerns whatsoever, they should call the police immediately - but do not allow unexpected callers into the home under any circumstances.
"I would also urge people who have elderly neighbours to keep an eye open and if they see a stranger or vehicle acting suspiciously in the area, call the police."
