POLICE are warning people in Redditch and Bromsgrove to be vigilant after a con-woman posing as a Police Officer stole from an elderly couple in Worcestershire.
A couple in their 80s from the Paddocks Road area of Hollywood fell victim to a scam in which a fraudster posed as a police officer to gain entrance and steal from the property.
At around 4.30pm on Friday May 26 the elderly couple received a knock at the door by someone who was posing as a police woman. The fraudster told them that there had been a spate of burglaries in the area, and that they should not store large amounts of money within the property. She then stole money from them before leaving.
Detective Constable Kirsty Hill of West Mercia Police said, “This is a type of fraud which has been used throughout the country and we are keen to get the word out that it appears people are now being targeted in the Hollywood area.
“It is important to remember that the police will never attend your property to provide advice about leaving large amounts of cash within your home.
“Please spread this message and the advice below to relatives, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.”
To protect yourself from distraction burglary:
• beware of anyone who says they are in a hurry – if in doubt, call a neighbour or friend
• check to see who is at the door by using your door viewer, or looking through a front window
• always put the chain on before you open the door as this is a barrier against unwanted callers
• when an unexpected caller claims they work for one of the utility companies, they must be able to quote your password and unique customer number and produce an identity card:
• all of the utility companies operate password schemes – contact the customer services department and set up a password with them
• make a note of your customer number, which can be found at the top of the utility bill and keep it handy – this number is unique to your household
• as added proof of identity, genuine trades people should carry an identification card with their photograph on -check this carefully and keep the chain on
• if you’re unsure about the caller’s identity telephone the company the caller claims to represent, but don’t rely on them giving you the number as it may be false – genuine callers won’t mind waiting
• if you’re still unsure, ask the caller to come back later so that you can arrange for a friend or relative to be present
Anyone with information about the incident should call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 665s of 26 May, 2017 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
