Warning to elderly residents after distraction burglaries
Police are urging people, especially the elderly, to be vigilant after two distraction burglaries took place yesterday.
It is believed the offences, one in Shrewsbury, one in Telford are linked. The offenders claimed to be from the water board.
The first incident happened in Sundorne Crescent, Shrewsbury, between 1.15pm and 1.45pm when a woman in her 90s opened the door to a man who claimed he needed to check the boiler.
It is believed that while he kept the victim distracted in the kitchen, an accomplice searched upstairs, although it is not thought anything was stolen.
The man who knocked on the door was white, in his 30s, about 5ft in height, very thick set in build, with a round face, and wearing a navy blue boiler suit and dark thick gloves.
The second offence happened in High Street, Wellington, Telford, at around 3pm when three offenders went into the home of a man in his 60s. They carried out a search but left when he became suspicious and went to call the police. Again it is not thought anything was stolen.
The men were all white and aged 30 to 35. The first man was 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins in height, of slim build, with short brown hair, and wearing a grey peaked cap, grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The second man was 5ft 10ins tall, of chubby build, with very short crew cut brown hair, and wearing a blue tracksuit top and blue tracksuit bottoms with dark coloured gloves. The third offender was 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins tall, of skinny build, and wearing a grey hooded top.
Superintendent Kevin Purcell of West Mercia Police said: “Distraction burglaries are a particularly heartless crime, given that the victims are usually elderly and vulnerable.
“Although on this occasion, they were only successful in stealing money from one of the homes they targeted, victims are often very distressed by these incidents and may lose their trust and independence as a result.
“Distraction burglaries are taken very seriously by the police, and catching these offenders and taking them off our streets are a top priority for us.”
Police want to remind people of the need to be vigilant and not to let strangers into their homes, however convincing they are. Residents are also reminded there is no such organisation as the “water board,” and bona fide employees of utility companies will carry identification. Many such companies also offer a password scheme.
West Mercia's ‘Knock Knock’ campaign aims to raise awareness about the security measures people should take before they let any strangers into their home.
Door chains should be used while ID badges are carefully checked, and genuine callers will not mind waiting while this is done. If householders have any doubts about a caller’s identity, they should not let them in.
Neighbours can help by keeping an eye on people calling in the area or acting suspiciously, including noting any registration numbers of vehicles.
Anything suspicious should be reported to police immediately, preferably while the people are still in the area.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Always ring 999 if a crime is in progress.
