Advice after six burglaries

Householders in Shrewsbury have been given advice and reassurance following a series of distraction burglaries in the area.

Community support officers have been handing out leaflets to householders in Sundorne, along with a door sticker reminding occupants not to let strangers into their home.

It comes after a number of distraction burglaries in the area on Friday. They were believed to have been carried out by three men.

The literature contains advice on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim by challenging any unknown callers and ensuring door chains or bars are used for unexpected visitors.

Constable Andy Gardner, local police officer for Sundorne, said the message was simple - 'If in doubt, keep them out'.

The same three men are believed responsible for six separate incidents in the county on Friday afternoon and evening, three of them in Sundorne, Shrewsbury and another three in the Much Wenlock and Broseley Wood areas.

All six incidents involved one man calling at homes claiming to be from a water authority and saying he needed to check some part of the plumbing.

While keeping the occupant engaged in the kitchen, sometimes with the taps running, his accomplices entered the properties and quickly searched rooms upstairs and down, making off with cash.

Constable Gardner said: "People should always use a security chain or bar."

We have reproduced the door sticker below which you can print out.