Distraction burglars trick way into pensioner’s home
ELDERLY householders are being warned to be vigilant following a distraction burglary in Crook.
Three men posed as council workers to gain entry into an 87-year-old woman’s home at 10am on Wednesday, January 13.
The men, who said they needed to check the water supply, took cash from a bag and searched upstairs whilst the elderly lady was distracted by one of them. It is one of a spate of distraction burglaries in the
North East where conmen have also been pretending to check the water supply. Police urge anyone with information to come forward. Inspector Ingrid Wolfe, head of the north east distraction burglary team
Operation Bombay, said: "We would like to stress the importance of keeping their door chain on at all times, and only allowing people in when they are convinced that they are who they say they are.
"These criminals are very persuasive and plausible and we are calling upon residents, their families and carers to be aware of these callers and to take precautions.
"Any householder who is approached in this way and has any doubts whatsoever about the person who has called should call the company they are claiming to represent and the police."
C
ara Hall, from Northumbrian Water, said: “Northumbrian Water will not need access into customers' homes to check for frozen pipes unless a customer has contacted us and requested an appointment for us to check their pipes and water supply.
"We ask people to please listen to the advice of the police and to be extra vigilant before letting anyone into their home. Our customers can register a password for extra peace of mind by ringing 0845 717 1100 or logging onto www.nwl.co.uk – anyone from Northumbrian Water who needs access into a property will know this word.