IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT
Police are putting out a timely reminder to elderly residents following a series of distraction burglaries in Stafford.
Between 6.30pm-7.30pm on Sunday 24 November, most of the Pennycroft bungalows in Corporation Street, Stafford, were targeted by two women. They used the ruse that they wanted a pen and paper to leave a message for their relative next door.
The woman have been described as both wearing thick dark coats and aged in their 20’s. One is white and 5’-5’4” tall, the other is olive skinned and 5’6”-5’9” tall. Both had their heads covered – one with a scarf and the other wore a woolly hat.
DC Paul Whitehouse said: “Luckily most of the residents were wary about these women and denied them access to their homes. A couple of residents did let them in but asked them to leave when they became suspicious of their intentions. One resident had a very small amount of cash stolen.
“We would like to remind other people about the dangers of people calling unexpectedly at their homes.
“Unfortunately, people using distraction type methods tend to target the elderly and vulnerable people in our communities. They make up a story to gain access into a property, one will keep the resident talking while the other sneaks in to search for money and valuables.”
“There are a number of things people can do to protect themselves and their homes and we would urge people to remind their elderly relatives to be aware of this type of crime.”
Some handy tips include not keeping large amounts of cash at home, use a door chain and don’t let anyone in that turn up at your door unexpectedly. And, if anyone is in doubt who is at the door, don’t let them in.
If anyone has any information about the incidents on Sunday, they are asked to contact DC Paul Whitehouse on 101, quoting reference 607 of 24 November. Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.