After an elderly couple were robbed by a bogus official earlier this week (see news story) police are now appealing for information about more heartless thieves who stole from three elderly women in Lancaster on Wednesday, using similar tactics.
Shortly before 3.00pm on Wednesday, a man knocked on a door in Gressingham Drive, Lancaster, and told the resident he was from the water board and needed to check her kitchen taps. As the pensioner came out of the kitchen, she saw two other men running out of the house.
About 40 minutes later, police were informed of three men claiming to be from the council trying to gain access to a house in Ashton Road because of water problems in the area. The owner had challenged the men and asked for identification and the trio then left.
At around 4.00pm, an 84-year-old woman in Park Square was visited by a man and a woman also claiming to be from the water board. The woman was taken into her kitchen while one of the offenders carried out a search of the property and then made off with £1,000.
The offenders were described as a female with short black hair, going grey, in her forties and of slim build, wearing black clothing and gloves and a white male in his thirties, of medium build, with combed back hair and wearing black clothing.
At around 5.00pm, an 86-year-old woman was targeted in Scafell Road. A man visited the property saying he was dealing with a water problem and then made the pensioner empty out her kitchen cupboards before asking her to run her upstairs taps. Meanwhile, the offender stole £150 before making off.
“These three crimes, and the incident where the men were denied access to the house, are potentially linked,” says Detective Inspector Glen Oldham of Lancaster CID. “These are heartless crimes which have targeted vulnerable elderly people in their own homes.
“It’s possible that the offenders have been using a blue Ford Focus ST 3, with the registration PE06 EXX, and if anyone has seen this vehicle I would like to speak to them.”
“If you have elderly parents, friends or neighbours please remind them about the importance of asking for and checking identification before letting people in to your homes,” he added. “If someone calls at your home without an appointment, ask to see their identification, then close the door while you ring their employers to verify it. If they are genuine then they will not mind.
“If you have any concerns about someone who has arrived at your door unannounced then please contact the police.”
• Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Lancaster CID on 01524 63333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
• There is a comprehensive guide to ‘Distraction Crime’ Prevention online at: http://www.caredirections.co.uk/frame_comment_102.htm
• Download ‘Your Security’ booklet published by Help the Aged and Age Concern (PDF Format)