Police warning after spate of door-to-door cons in West Midlands
A warning on bogus door-to-door conmen has been issued after a spate of offences took place in the aftermath of a 96-year-old woman being robbed of her savings.
A man asking to lay rat traps in the back gardens of two elderly women in Wolverhampton, an 87-year-old from Pennfields and an 85-year-old from Bradmore, is believed to be of similar appearance to the man who stole a 96-year-old woman's savings in West Bromwich last week.
The callous crook struck at the home in West Bromwich having convinced the lady he was investigating a water leak.
It's believed the man – described as white, stocky build, in his 40s and wearing a baseball cap – splashed water on the bathroom ceiling to support his burst pipe story and while the pensioner ate lunch, he rifled through her belongings before pocketing cash and jewellery.
The two Wolverhampton reports were made to West Midlands Police in the space of 30 minutes following the theft, this time with a conman posing as a pest controller.
He did gain access to the 85-year-old woman's home in Bradmore by using the same story and it is understood he tried charging £80 for the traps and left after searching a bedroom.
However, he was left empty handed after the 87-year-old turned him away.
Chief Insp Sean Phillips, of Sandwell Police, said: "Unfortunately there are people out there who think nothing of targeting the most vulnerable in society and stealing from them.
"These callous individuals use a variety of tactics to talk their way into addresses: we have seen offenders posing as police officers; council officials; gas, electricity or water company officials; surveyors and workmen of various types.
"Our message is never to let anyone into your home who turns up unannounced.
"If anyone says they are on official business ask to see identification, check it carefully and phone the organisation they claim to be from.
"Get a number from the phone book or online – don't use any number they provide you on a card.
"If in doubt keep them out and call the police on 999."
Police are also looking into reports of suspicious callers to addresses in Erdington and Handsworth on the same day, but again on both occasions homeowners became suspicious and the conmen left empty handed.
