Cash stolen in Telford distraction burglary

At around 1pm, the victim - a 68-year-old man - answered the door to two men who said they were back to check on some tarmacing work he had had done several months earlier.

The men also said the victim had overpaid for the work and that they had £100 to return to him. The victim asked the men into his home.

A police spokesman said:

"The victim went upstairs with the men but then one of them suggested they should go and inspect the tarmac outside. The victim went outside with one of the men but left the other man inside.

"A short time later the victim went back inside and the two men then left the scene saying they would be back soon to repair the tarmac and return his £100. Sadly, a short time later the victim realised his bedroom had been searched - many of the drawers had been removed - and that more than £750 in cash was missing.

"The police were called immediately and although the area around the man's home was searched, no trace was found of the two men who had been into his property.

"The victim has been left very shaken by this incident but he has been able to give officers the following brief descriptions of the two men that came into his home.

"The first is described as being white, aged in his late 30s, as being just over 5ft tall and as having dark hair. The second man is described as being white, aged in late 20s or early 30s and as also having dark hair.

"Officers investigating this incident are very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen these two men in the Snedshill area yesterday afternoon, or anyone who may have seen a vehicle behaving suspiciously in that area that might be linked to them.

"Anyone with information that could aid the investigation into this distraction burglary is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 363S 030912.

"Alternatively, please remember Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you'd rather leave information without identifying yourself.

"In light of this incident, 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."