Cash stolen from elderly Catshill woman (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
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Cash stolen from elderly Catshill woman
3:00pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News
CASH was stolen from an elderly Catshill woman during a distraction burglary in her home.
Police are investigating the incident that took place at a property in Oak Road between 2-2.50pm on Wednesday, September 19.
A woman in her 90s opened the door of her house to a man who said there was a burst pipe next door.
He asked her to turn the water off.
The victim let him in, and accompanied him into the kitchen.
It is believed that while he kept the victim occupied, an accomplice came in and took a quantity of cash from her handbag in the living room.
The man who knocked at the door was white, aged between 30 and 40, 5ft 8in, slim, with short light brown or fair hair.
He was wearing a navy t-shirt with a badge or emblem.
Detective Sergeant Ed Slough said: "It is possible the offenders tried to gain access to other homes but were turned away.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw someone matching this description.
"Distraction burglaries are extremely distressing for victims. In this case the woman had to be checked over by an ambulance crew as she was very shaken.
"We would like to remind people of the need to be vigilant and not to let strangers into their homes, however convincing they are.”
West Mercia's Knock Knock campaign aims to raise awareness about the security measures people should take before they let strangers into their home.
Residents, especially older and vulnerable people, are reminded to be vigilant, especially when they are not expecting a caller.
Neighbours can help by keeping an eye on people acting suspiciously, including noting any vehicle registration numbers.
Anything suspicious should be reported to police immediately, preferably while the people are still in the area.
For more details about preventing distraction burglaries see the force’s website, westmercia.police.uk.
Anyone with information about the Catshill burglary can call the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 382-s-190912, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
