Shrewsbury pensioner targeted by distraction burglar
A Shrewsbury pensioner was targeted by a distraction burglary who stole £330 after offering to cut his garden hedge.
Police believe the bogus caller conned his way into the 77-year-old man’s home in Allerton Road and then distracted him to steal his wallet from the living room.
The incident happened between 3.25pm and 3.35pm yesterday (Monday, April 29) and police have appealed for witnesses who may have spotted the man, to come forward.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said today: “This was a deliberate ploy to gain entry to the home of an elderly person.
“He initially said he needed to come inside to see the hedge in the back garden and then said he had left his card near the back door. The victim told him there was no card and the man said he would fetch one from his car and promptly left.
“He did not return and soon after, the occupant discovered his wallet was missing.”
DI Wagstaff appeled for sightings of the burglar and also said the incident served as a reminder not to let callers knocking on the door inside whatever excuse given for wanting entry.
“Distraction burglars will target elderly people, saying they are from the water board or have come to do some work in the garden or on the house, but the golden rule is never let them inside whatever their story.
“Once inside the house, they will find a way of distracting or confusing the occupant while they or an accomplice will be searching for money or jewellery.
“If you get suspicious strangers calling at your house call the police immediately on 101 so we can check them out.”
She added that if people needed work doing they should book a local tradesperson to give a quote, thereby knowing they were genuine when they called at the agreed time.
The burglar was described as being in his forties, stockily built, with short dark hair and about 5ft 9ins tall. He was wearing a mauve coloured shirt or t-shirt and left the area by car.
DI Wagstaff added: “If you saw a man in the Allerton Road area yesterday afternoon, whose behaviour raised your suspicions, or have any other information about this incident, then contact the CID department at Shrewsbury police station.”
