Teen beauty spot drinkers are ramblers, not rebels
- Dave Burrows
Elderly Shrewsbury man has ‘heart attack’ after con men strike
Thursday 25th November 2010, 1:50PM GMT.
AN ELDERLY MAN suffered a suspected heart attack after three men conned their way into his home in Shrewsbury and stole a substantial amount of cash, detectives said today.
It was the second time the man, who is in his 90s, has been the victim of distraction burglars.
He was targeted in the same way four years ago.
Detectives today described the incident, which happened in New Park Road in Castlefields yesterday afternoon, as “despicable”.
The man’s family spoke of their sadness and urged people to be vigilant.
The victim was duped when one of the men knocked on his door and claimed there was a “problem with the water” at a nearby property and that he needed to check if his was working, police said.
He allowed the man inside and was then distracted by being asked to empty the cupboard under his sink, officers said.
Moments later, two other men went in to his home and said they were finished and the three left. The victim went upstairs later to find his bedroom ransacked and cash stolen.
Detectives said shortly after police arrived, the victim suffered chest pains and was taken to hospital suffering a suspected heart attack. His condition was described as stable today.
The man’s daughter, who did not want to be named, today said: “Everyone is vulnerable to this sort of crime, not just the elderly and people need to remain vigilant.”
Detective Constable Mark Bird, of Shrewsbury CID, said: “This was a despicable incident which left the victim extremely distressed” and he asked anyone with information to call 0300 333 3000.”
He said a white van was seen in the area and a man was seen knocking on other doors between about 1pm and 2pm.
Detectives are also investigating links to an attempted distraction burglary in Moneybrook Way at about 3.20pm the same day.
By Emma Kasprzak and Sam Pinnington
UK News
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I am absolutely disgusted this has happened again. I live very close to this man and after the last incident I vowed to keep an eye on visitors to his house.
I cannot do that 24/7 unfortunately.
I am just so very angry that a very frail old man has suffered at the hands of these low life scum.
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I totally agree Steven, how awful. It’s so terrible. I can’t believe it’s the second time!
I hope he is ok.
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Hopefully they will find the scum that caused this and have them locked away.
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I totally agree with you Steven. They are the lowest of the lower, Total low life scum! It makes me so angry!!
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