Distraction burglars steal cash from Lickey End pensioner

Detectives investigating the incident are now warning people to be on guard following the incident, which happened at a property in Old Birmingham Road, on Thursday, (May 23).

At around 10am the pensioner answered her front door to a man who said he needed access to her garden to work on tree roots, causing a problem with a neighbour’s drain.

He and an accomplice then entered the garden through a side gate and one of them followed the woman into her house, persuading her to part with several hundreds of pounds in cash for the work.

When the woman became suspicious and asked for a receipt she was given fake contact details, and the man she had just paid then said he had to return to his car for something.

The pensioner went to speak to his accomplice in the garden and during that time her house was entered again, and a larger sum of cash was stolen.

The woman only realised what had happened after they had left.

Both offenders were white. One appeared to be in his 40s, around 6ft 2in, of large build and dark hair. He wore dark clothing and did not have any tools or equipment with him when he called at the address. The other man appeared to be in his 30s, was around 6ft 10in, very slim and had fair hair. He was wearing light coloured clothing.

Detective Constable Vicky Collier said it was a typical distraction burglary and appealed for information from anyone who had also been visited by the men, or had seen any vehicle they were using.

DC Collier said: “Offences like this are quite rare but when they do occur they often happen in spates.

“A regular ploy is for these thieves to pose as officials.

“These are despicable offences and these criminals have the gift of the gab and are very convincing.

“Wherever they claim to be from and whatever the reason, do not give them access to your home.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bromsgrove CID on 101, quoting incident reference 249-S-230513, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.