Warning after woman posing as charity collector steals cash from elderly man
Police are warning residents to be wary after a street charity collector stole £200 from an elderly man in Bewdley.
The elderly man was targeted outside a museum in Load Street last month, when a woman posing as a charity worker persistently requested a donation from him.
When the man agreed to make a donation – she informed him that she required his signature and needed it verifying with a document such as a driving licence, which then prompted him to produce his wallet.
The woman then placed the clipboard over the wallet and took £200 from inside, without the victim knowing.
The incident took place on Sunday, November 17.
West Mercia Police is now warning members of the public to be wary of donating cash to street charity collectors without checking they are genuine.
PC Chris Hillman said: "Genuine charity collectors will carry identification, charity collecting tins and will not ask the person donating for ID.
"I would like to urge people to be vigilant if they are approached and asked to donate money.”
Anyone with information on the Bewdley distraction theft is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
