Sewer ruse conmen target Newport pensioner, 85

Distraction burglars stole cash from a pensioner after offering to check the sewers at his home near Newport.

The two men approached the 85-year-old in his garden in Forton, claiming they needed to do the work. While one offender led the victim away from his address, a second offender entered the home and stole cash. Both men left the victim's house on foot.

Staffordshire Police are now warning people to be on their guard against suspicious callers and are urging residents to be vigilant and ask for ID from unexpected callers.

Police are also reminding people not to keep large amounts of cash at home and to lock doors. The incident happened between 1.30pm and 2.30pm last Thursday. The first offender is described as white, aged mid 20s to mid 30s, slim and around 5ft 6ins tall.

An orange or faded red old-style saloon car was seen in the area at the time of the crime, with two male occupants who may, or may not, be connected with the offence.

Meanwhile businesses are being warned about a potential scam claiming to raise money for West Mercia Police.

A number of Market Drayton residents reported getting calls from a man claiming to be behind a family fun day at Hawkstone Park. The caller offers advertising space on a leaflet promoting the event in August. Sarah Hoggarth, 37, owner of Dog Grooming by Sarah on Sutton Road, received a call on Friday.

"This didn't seem like a scam at all at first, he was very convincing," she said.

David Sims, general manager of Hawkstone Park said the details given did not relate to any events planned this summer.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: "West Mercia Police never make cold calls selling advertising space or trying to raise money. Neither do we instruct third parties to do it. In this case it looks to be a scam."