Elderly Market Drayton woman has life-savings stolen
A 97-year-old Market Drayton woman’s £6,000 life-savings have been stolen while she was away from home for a few hours.
She returned to the house in Smithfield Road to find every room had been searched and the money she was saving for a new motorised scoter missing.
Her diamond engagement ring and passport were also stolen.
Police believe she fell victim to a young man who called asking if she wanted her roof guttering cleared, shortly before she left to go out for the afternoon.
The theft happened while she was away between 1.30pm and 4pm on Thursday.
West Mercia Police are now appealing for witnesses and in particular want to know about anyone who appears to have recently come into some money.
Detective Constable Steve Davies, from the Shropshire Burglary Unit, said: “The lady concerned is understandably very upset. She was saving the money to buy a new motorised scoter to help her get out and about.
“Someone locally must know who is responsible. They have obviously targeted a frail, vulnerable person causing her considerable distress.
“I am appealing for any information which might help identify the thief. It’s possible they will have drawn attention to themselves by suddenly coming into money and spending freely”
DC Davies added: “If you are suspicious of anyone, contact the police at Market Drayton or Shrewsbury police stations on 101. Information can also be passed to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, for which a reward may be paid”.
The man who called at the house is described as white, in his early twenties. Of slim build, about 5ft 6ins tall and was wearing a light coloured hat.
