Alert over bogus water workers in Blackburn
3:00pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News
By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter
DETECTIVES investigating a spate of distraction burglaries are urging pensioners not to allow strangers into their homes wearing gloves.
The warning comes after at least six elderly pensioners in Blackburn and Darwen were robbed in their homes over the last week by men posing as water board officials.
In the latest incident an 88-year-old woman had several thousands of pounds stolen from her home after allowing in two men to check her water pressure.
During the incident at 9.30am on Saturday, the men claiming to be officials from the water board distracted the pensioner by asking her to fill pans with water. But, as one man kept the lady talking the other searched her home for cash, police said.
She didn’t realise anything was wrong until the men left her Roe Lee Park home. The men are described as white and of medium build. One man is described as in his 40’s while the other who wore a deer stalker hat with flaps over his ears was around 20-years-old.
Police believe the pair fled the scene in a blue VW Passat.
Sgt Eric Halford, of Blackburn’s Target team who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a despicable crime targeting an elderly pensioner.
“I urge people to follow some simply safety precautions — always check for ID before allowing someone into your home, never let anyone in who turns up wearing gloves, if you are concerned call the company where the official says they are from or call the police and they will check them out for you. We are linking this incident with at least another five in the area.”
Comments(4)
doomchanter
says...
7:20pm Wed 6 Feb 13
I can understand old people keeping cash at home as they are usualy terrified of people stealing it out of their bank account ( carers, relatives ) or the government clawing ( hard earned ) benefit back from them.
With direct debit, hidden charges etc. who can blame them for not trusting banks?
The only solution is much harsher sentances for these criminals not rehabilitation (these people are beyond that) but to act as a deterent to any others who have no morals and would even consider doing such a crime.
kenbro
says...
8:00pm Wed 6 Feb 13
As for harsher sentences, I agree, but how many of these robbers are caught ?
Harsher sentences won't stop this type of robbery. The death penalty never stopped murder. Not having large amounts of cash in the house will prevent this type of crime. Yes, she has the right to do that, but the world is full of crooks with no morals, and it would be more realistic to put the money where it will be safe. A kitchen drawer is not one of those places.
noddy57
says...
8:43pm Wed 6 Feb 13
kenbro says...
3:42pm Wed 6 Feb 13
This is still a despicable crime and I hope the perpetrators are caught before they repeat. However, if you are reading this, and have a lot of cash in the house, get it down to the Bank.