Man, 86, falls victim to distraction theft in Whitchurch
An 86-year-old man was lured from his Shropshire home by a distraction burglar who said he wanted to examine his garden fence, while an accomplice sneaked in and stole cash, police said today. An 86-year-old man was lured from his Shropshire home by a distraction burglar who said he wanted to examine his garden fence, while an accomplice sneaked in and stole cash, police said today. The victim, who has not been named, was targeted by two men in Whitchurch at his home in Brookfield between 10am and 10.30am on Tuesday. After locking the front door, the pensioner joined the man in the garden. But while the victim was being distracted, another person sneaked in through the back door and stole money from a wallet.
An 86-year-old man was lured from his Shropshire home by a distraction burglar who said he wanted to examine his garden fence, while an accomplice sneaked in and stole cash, police said today.
The victim, who has not been named, was targeted by two men in Whitchurch at his home in Brookfield between 10am and 10.30am on Tuesday.
After locking the front door, the pensioner joined the man in the garden.
But while the victim was being distracted, another person sneaked in through the back door and stole money from a wallet.
Richard Ewels, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: "People need to be wary of strangers knocking on the door claiming to be from the council, the water board or some other utility company.
"Under no circumstances let them into your home whatever the reason they give for being there."
The suspect is white, aged about 40 to 45, about 5ft 7ins tall, of slim to medium build, with untidy and fuzzy dark brown hair. Call police on 0300 333 3000.
