Elderly Shropshire residents targeted by Bogus water board callers
Elderly residents in Shropshire are being reminding not to let strangers who knock on their door into their home following two distraction burglaries in the county.
West Mercia Police are warning residents about bogus water officials, urging them to contact the police if callers claim to be from the "water board" or water authority.
The advice was issued today following distraction burglaries in Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth where the caller said he was from the "water board" and needed to come inside to make checks.
It's thought an accomplice was present on each occasion, carrying out a search of the property while the initial caller switched on taps and distracted the occupier.
The Shrewsbury incident happened yesterday at around 3.30pm in Fenton Close, Bicton Heath where the victim was a 93-year-old woman. The caller said he was from the "Housing", carried a file and said he had to check the water pressure.
An accomplice is thought to have then made a search stealing £400 unnoticed before they left. The caller was described as being aged about 60, smartly dressed wearing a cardigan type jumper. He colleague was younger, probably in his thirties and wearing dark clothing.
They may have been in blue estate car which was seen near the house at the time.
Detective Sergeant Andy Chatting said: "Bogus officials and distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. Our advice is never to let strangers calling at your home inside, whatever excuse they give. They often use the water board reason, claiming there is a problem insisting they need to check the water supply.
"Water boards no longer exist so that should raise suspicions. Don't let them in and please call the police immediately on 101 so we can check their identities. If you feel threatened in anyway, call 999."
He urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Fenton Close yesterday afternoon, to call Shrewsbury police station on 101.
In the second incident, a man called at the home of an 82-year-old woman in Walker Close, Bridgnorth at around 6.30pm last night, again claiming to be from the water board. A second man is thought to have been involved. Again, the taps were switched on before the caller eventually left. On this occasion, nothing is thought to have been stolen.
Police have again appealed for information which might assist their investigations. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.
