Warning after disabled Shropshire pensioner conned
Thursday 27th May 2010, 11:00PM BST.
Intruders posing as water firm officials conned a disabled pensioner out of several hundred pounds during a distraction burglary at his north Shropshire home.
The bogus officials struck at the home of a man in his 70s in Whitchurch.
The incident has prompted fresh warnings from police that strangers knocking on doors should not be allowed inside under any circumstances – even if offering to show identity cards.
At least two people are thought to have been involved in yesterday’s incident in Newport Road.
It happened between 11.25am and 11.40am when a man knocked at the door and then tapped on a window to get the victim’s attention.
The caller claimed to be from the water board and needed to come inside to switch the water off as the supply was contaminated.
Once inside, he turned a kitchen tap on for about 15 minutes.
Police said the tactic helped mask the sound of an unseen accomplice who sneaked in through the front door and carried out a search.
The man then said he would fetch some identification from his van, left the house and did not return.
The cash was discovered missing a short time afterwards.
Richard Ewels, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: “Fortunately this kind of incident is relatively rare in Shropshire.
“Nevertheless, people should be on their guard, especially the elderly who are the ones usually targeted.
“It’s important to remember that distraction burglars often claim they are from the ‘water board’, yet water boards no longer exist.”
Anyone with information should call 0300 3333000.
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