Shropshire Star

Warning as fake water workers try to con their way into pensioner's home

Householders have been warned to be on their guard after conmen pretended to be water workers to try to get into a house.

Published

West Mercia Police is appealing for witnesses or information following the attempted distraction burglary in Oswestry.

Between 2.10pm and 2.15pm on Friday, two men knocked on the door of a property in Victoria Road, Oswestry.

The victim, a woman in her 70s, answered the door and one of the men told her they were from a water company and were there because of a water leak. She was suspicious and did not let the men in her house.

She then told them that there was no leak and they responded by saying they must have gone to the wrong address.

The men then left on foot in the direction of Oswestry town centre.

One of the suspects is described as a white man, in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 7in tall and of a stocky build.

He is described as having short dark hair with sideburns and stubble and a "round face".

He was wearing a faded grey woolly hat, a blue boiler suit and dirty white trainers.

The other suspect is described as a white man, in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 6in tall and of a slim build.

He was described as being clean-shaven, having short cropped mousy-brown hair and a thin face and nose. He was also believed to be wearing a blue boiler suit and dirty white trainers.

Neither of the men had any motif, company logo or other identification on them.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious behaviour in the area.

Please call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 655S of 21 October 2016.

Alternatively, information can be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers.org.uk

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