The daughter of a 94-year-old Shropshire widow who was conned out of cash and jewellery worth £2,000 in a distraction burglary today expressed her disgust at the “pathetic” thief.Great-grandmother Mary-Ellen Pollard was duped on what would have been her 77th wedding anniversary. The conman told her he was from the gas board before stealing two rings worth £1,500 and more than £450 in cash.

The incident at Mrs Pollard’s home in Stirchley was one of two distraction burglaries in Telford between 10am and 11am yesterday.

Her daughter Robina Nottingham today said she was worried the criminals could strike again.

She said: “My mum has been really upset by this, she is a delicate old lady.

“I do not think she could comprehend what happened at first, but she realises the severity of this now, anything could have happened to her.

“You hear stories of burglars who are violent towards elderly victims, so I have to be thankful that it was not a whole lot worse.

The thief also took a safe containing prescription medicines belonging to Mrs Pollard. Mrs Nottingham said she had made an appointment for her mother to see a doctor after she was left shaken by the ordeal.

She said: “She seems fine but this has certainly upset her and I just want to get her checked out to make sure she is okay.”

“For someone to come along and have the cheek to burgle your house in this way is simply pathetic. I am hoping that speaking to the Shropshire Star will help the police catch the people who did this.”

Mrs Pollard recently lost her husband and yesterday would have been her 77th wedding anniversary.

Constable Stuart Ind, of Telford police, said: “The offender is described as a white male aged 35 to 37 years of age, of average build and with fair hair. He was clean-shaven and wore a creamy coloured shirt and grey trousers.”

The other burglary happened at the home of an 86-year-old pensioner in Chockleys Drive, Leegomery, at about the same time, when four men were seen in the area.

People with information about either incident should contact police on 08457 444888.

By Andy Walker