Cash theft sparks plea to protect elderly - The Worcester Observer

Cash theft sparks plea to protect elderly

Worcester Editorial 9th Jul, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

AN ELDERLY couple were conned out of thousands of pounds in their St John’s home after a callous crook asked to use the toilet.

Two men approached the victims’ house in Bromwich Road last Thursday (July 3) about 11am and told them they could fix a missing tile on the roof.

One of the men then asked if they could use the bathroom and while inside stole about £11,000 in cash from a tin in the bedroom wardrobe.

After carrying out enquiries at the scene with witnesses, police managed to identify a van allegedly used by the crooks and after obtaining the registration number, a van was stopped on the M3 in Surrey the following morning (Friday).




A 51-year-old man, 28-year-old man and 15-year-old youth, all from the Sussex area, were arrested in connection with a distraction burglary and taken back to Worcester Police Station.

All three were then charged with dwelling house burglary and one man was also charged with escape from lawful custody after being on the run from prison since last November.


The trio appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Monday morning (July 7) where the two men were remanded in custody and the youth was bailed with conditions.

Police are now urging the public to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours and to report any suspicious activity to police.

It follows another similar crime which took place in Redditch last Tuesday (July 1) when an elderly woman was conned out of an unknown sum of money from her purse after a man asked her if she wanted some gardening work done.

The victim accepted his offer, fetched her purse and placed it on the window ledge before the crook leaned through the window, stole the money and ran off.

He is described as 40 to 55 years of age, with a medium to stocky build wearing a cap and fluorescent orange tabard.

Police are still appealing for information on the distraction burglaries by calling the non-emergency number on 101.

Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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