Telford distraction burglary may be linked to £3,000 Newport theft

The thief, described as a woman of Asian appearance, walked into the house on Crescent Road in Hadley and asked her victim for change for a £1 coin.

The homeowner took out her purse and gave her some change, but after the thief left it was discovered another wallet and the cash had been taken.

Police are appealing for information about the theft, which happened between 1.45pm and 3.00pm on Wednesday.

Officers have also issued a fresh appeal for information about a similar burglary in Newport, and police believe they could be linked.

In Newport, £3,000 was stolen from a 91-year-old woman who was approached at her home in Hampton Close.

Detective Constable Terry Homer of West Mercia Police, described the woman behind the theft in Telford as being Asian with a round face and 'plump' figure.

She had a gold tooth and was wearing an orange and green headscarf, white cardigan and green trousers.

She is described as being around 5' 3" tall and around 20 years old.

Detective Constable Homer said: "We believe that this is not an isolated incident and are asking residents to be cautious after similar reports in recent weeks.

"We urge anyone who may have seen this woman or any suspicious behaviour to get in contact."

Describing the theft in Newport, Detective Constable Homer said: "The woman left a short while later but following the incident the victim then realised more than £3,000 had been stolen from her handbag.

"This woman is believed to have been in the victim's house for quite some time.

"The police arrived soon after the incident and there was no sign of the offender nearby.

"Due to this, we believe that there was possibly a car waiting for the offender. I would be interested to hear from anyone who saw a woman matching the description or anyone who saw a car that looked out of place."

Anyone with details about either theft should call West Mercia Police on 101 or pass on information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.