Bogus callers alert to OAPs
Bogus callers have targeted five homes in Cannock sparking a police warning to elderly residents. Officers from Chase division said three homes in Longford Green were targeted at about 6pm on Tuesday.
Bogus callers have targeted five homes in Cannock sparking a police warning to elderly residents. Officers from Chase division said three homes in Longford Green were targeted at about 6pm on Tuesday.
Police received calls saying two men had gone to the home of a 58-year-old man claiming there was a burst pipe. Although the men entered the house, they did not steal anything. They then went to the nearby home of a 92-year-old lady claiming they needed to check the water. Again nothing was stolen.
A third house in the street, which was empty at the time, was raided and a large amount of cash was stolen. Police are linking all three crimes.
Both men are described as having an Irish accent and aged between 40 and 50.
They both wore cloth caps, black jackets and dark black jeans and boots. They were seen leaving the area on foot, towards Longford Road.
At 6.50pm, officers received another report of intruders breaking into two homes in Nuthurst Drive, one the home of a woman in her 80s, the other an 87-year-old man.
In both cases the occupants were at home and disturbed the men - who left empty handed.
Det Sgt Neil Poultney, of Chase Division, said: "We are investigating possible links into all of these incidents and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 01785 234233 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
"We would urge anyone receiving a knock at their front door to remember the Stop, Chain, Check system."
Last month Staffordshire Police launched the Nominate a Neighbour scheme.
Elderly householders can show a card through a window directing the caller to a neighbour's house and the nominated neighbour then supervises the visit.
Police urge caution after conmen strike five times in one evening
Bogus callers alert
to elderly residents
By Shaun Lintern
Bogus callers have targeted five homes in Cannock sparking a police warning to elderly residents. Officers from Chase division said three homes in Longford Green were targeted at about 6pm on Tuesday.
Police received calls saying two men had gone to the home of a 58-year-old man claiming there was a burst pipe. Although the men entered the house, they did not steal anything. They then went to the nearby home of a 92-year-old lady claiming they needed to check the water. Again nothing was stolen.
A third house in the street, which was empty at the time, was raided and a large amount of cash was stolen. Police are linking all three crimes.
Both men are described as having an Irish accent and aged between 40 and 50.
They both wore cloth caps, black jackets and dark black jeans and boots. They were seen leaving the area on foot, towards Longford Road.
At 6.50pm, officers received another report of intruders breaking into two homes in Nuthurst Drive, one the home of a woman in her 80s, the other an 87-year-old man.
In both cases the occupants were at home and disturbed the men - who left empty handed.
Det Sgt Neil Poultney, of Chase Division, said: "We are investigating possible links into all of these incidents and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 01785 234233 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
"We would urge anyone receiving a knock at their front door to remember the Stop, Chain, Check system."
Last month Staffordshire Police launched the Nominate a Neighbour scheme.
Elderly householders can show a card through a window directing the caller to a neighbour's house and the nominated neighbour then supervises the visit.
