Cash stolen as thieves trick man

Thieves tricked their way into the home of an elderly man and made off with cash. Police said a caller posing as a water official conned his way into the home in St George's Place, Clun.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: "He told the occupant there was a problem with the plumbing and to switch his taps on.

"While doing this, a second man slipped upstairs unnoticed.

"After they left, a quantity of money was found to be missing from an upstairs room."

Police appealed for information about the incident which happened at about 12.30pm yesterday in St George's Place.

Mr Ewels said: "If anyone saw anything suspicious which might be related to this crime, we would ask them to please contact Ludlow police on 08457 444 888 as a matter of urgency."

The burglary happened on the day West Mercia Police issued a plea to communities to help arrest distraction burglars.

Mr Ewels said: "We are asking communities to help us arrest these criminals by reporting any unfamiliar people they see knocking on doors and any cars that are parked for long periods of time in their local area.

"A call to the police could provide a piece of vital information that enables us to bring those responsible for these cruel offences to justice.

"If the police and the community work together and look after our vulnerable neighbours we can reduce the number of victims who are affected by this dreadful crime."