Woman has handbag stolen during Telford distraction burglary
A woman has fallen victim to a distraction burglary in Telford.
The incident happened on Church Road in the St George’s area between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday 10 February.
The victim, a woman in her 70s, answered her door to a man who asked if she had any problems with her water or gas supply. She invited him in while she tested the taps, the gas fire and boiler, while the man was left unattended in the property.
During this time, the man had left the property and the victim later found that her handbag, along with its contents inside, had been stolen. The handbag contained a mobile phone and a purse with a small amount of money inside.
The offender is described as white, in his 50s, of a medium build, around 5 foot 6 to five foot 7, clean shaven and had dark brown hair. He also had strong lines running from the sides of his nose to the sides of his mouth, dark coloured eyes and a sallow-looking face. He was wearing a dark coloured anorak style jacket and dark trousers.
Police are urging residents to not let cold callers into their homes and to alert their elderly family, friends and neighbours of this scam.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 101, quoting incident 540S of Tuesday 10 February. Any suspicious activity should also be reported using the non-emergency number.
Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
