Elderly Oswestry woman falls victim to distraction burglars
Tuesday 18th January 2011, 2:33PM GMT.
An elderly Oswestry woman was left distressed when a man claiming to be from the water board barged into her home and stole £65 from her purse, pushing her out of the way.
Police said the victim was so badly shaken she took 24 hours to tell anyone what had happened.
It is thought two men were involved in what police are treating as a distraction burglary.
West Mercia Police spokesman, Richard Ewels, said a man called at the woman’s home in Langland Road at 5pm on Thursday claiming to be from the water board and needed to check the water and heating.
“The occupant protested, explaining she already had regular checks but he barged his way past her and carried out a search of the property,” he said.
“When she further challenged him, he pushed her out of the way after taking £65 from her purse.”
The victim was uninjured but badly shaken.
It is thought the offender, who may have had an accomplice, left in a red car.
Anyone who can assist the police is asked to contact Oswestry police station on 0300 333 3000. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
“This was a very frightening experience for an elderly lady. If anyone spotted anything suspicious, which might be connected, do get in contact,” Mr Ewels said.
“Strangers knocking on the door should never be allowed inside, whatever their excuse. Just tell them to go away, close the door and call the police. It should also be remembered there is now no such organisation as the water board.”
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Shrewsbury’s broadband speed one of slowest in UK
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
All I can say Is `How i would like to get my hands on these people` just low life scum.
Report abuse