Police in Burnham-On-Sea issued a warning to elderly residents in the town on Wednesday (October 4th) after a spate of distraction burglaries.
In each case, offenders have posed as council workers or water board officials to dupe their way into elderly people’s home and steal cash.
In an incident in Birch Lawn on Wednesday September 27th at 11am, a man called on an 88-year-old woman and was asked to go to the rear of the property. Once inside, he distracted the victim and went into the front room before stealing a purse and making off.
Detective Inspector Alan West, based at Taunton Police Station, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “In each of these cases elderly and vulnerable people have been targeted by distraction burglars who often act very quickly and can leave a victim confused and very frightened.”
“If you are ever not sure who is calling at your door, never let that person into your home until you are confident of their identity. If you have a chain on your door use it, but if not, think about going to a window to get a better look at who it might be.”
“We are carrying out significant enquiries to try and solve these crimes, but are keen that people get the Stop, Chain and Check message to prevent themselves becoming a victim to these sorts of offenders.”
