There have been several incidents locally in the last week where elderly people have had money stolen by bogus callers pretending to be from the Water Board.

This warning from West Midlands Police is important – please care it with anyone you know who’s vulnerable: The elderly, frail or less able. 

Let’s look out for our neighbours.  West Midlands Police wrote:

Distraction burglary warning after pensioners targeted in water board scam

We’re reminding people to be vigilant and look out for elderly family members and neighbours following a series of distraction burglaries in Walsall and Birmingham. Two fraudsters pretending to be from the water board attending a fault have stolen cash from the homes of five elderly people between 9 January and 20 January.

Detectives are investigating and believe the incidents are linked.

The offenders used similar distraction techniques in each of the burglaries; posing as staff from the water board, they told their victims there was an issue with the water and to go and turn their taps on. Once distracted the crooks have gone in and taken cash, jewellery and other expensive items.

As we do all we can to find the people responsible we ask you to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours and remind them of the dangers of bogus callers.

We’ve got tips and advice on distraction burglaries here.

It’s worth remembering that the water board does not exist anymore. If anyone receives a knock on the door from people claiming to be from the police, council, a utility company or any other organisation always ask to see identification.

If anyone sees anything suspicious or have been visited by doorstep callers who they do not believe to be genuine, they should contact us as they may have important information. In an emergency please dial 999.

Distraction burglary is a terrible crime. We understand the trauma it causes. It’s an invasion of your privacy in the place you should feel safest. We’ll investigate any lines of enquiry, including CCTV, forensics and information from witnesses.

For more information on how to keep your home secure or for support an advice if you or some you know has been affected this terrible crime search burglary on our website: www.west-midlands.police.uk

Walsall Partnerships Team

Please tell your relatives and neighbours about these scammers, and impress upon them how important it is not to be menaced or intimidated into allowing people into their homes, however credible they may seem. Likewise, warn them about never giving money for services at the door, no matter how plausible the people demanding cash are. \

Genuine companies and public bodies will always contact you by other means.

Scumbags preying on the elderly and vulnerable are lower than a snake’s knees.

Please,  if you have any further information relating to any such incident, or if you’ve witnessed something suspicious, please contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.