February 5, 2010

Water Worker Con Police Warning

BEDFORDSHIRE Police are warning pensioners in Houghton Regis to be on their guard against distraction burglars posing as water officials.

It follows an offence at 8.45pm on Saturday (Jan 30) in Brentwood Close, Houghton Regis where a con artist called at the home of a woman in her 60s.

He said he was a water worker and had been called by the police, due to everyone in the area experiencing problems with their water. The victim opened her front door and the man pushed past her into the kitchen. He then told her he needed to turn on her taps. Whilst checking for an outside tap, he left open her front door to allow an accomplice to enter the property and search upstairs.  

The elderly lady then became suspicious and told the man to leave. After he left the house, she then became aware of a second man upstairs in her bedroom and phoned the police. The second man then left the house empty handed.

DC Michelle Sears, investigating, said one of the offenders was white, aged between 18 – 25 years old, 5ft 8ins tall, with a slim build.  He wore dark blue jeans, a fitted shiny black leather jacket, a coloured spotted scarf and black gloves.

The second was white, aged between 18 – 25 years old, with a stocky build. He wore dark blue jeans and a dark jacket.

She wants to remind elderly people to always use a spyhole and chain and insist on seeing identification from callers. If in doubt, dial 999.

She added: “Relatives and neighbours can help by keeping an eye on the elderly and reminding them that genuine officials will not mind providing identification if asked.”

Anyone with information about distraction burglars can contact police, in confidence, on 01582 473056, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or text to 07786 200011.