An elderly woman was conned out of hundreds of pounds by two men who told her they were gutter cleaners.
A man called at a home on Cliftonville Road in Woolston, Warrington, on Wednesday, February 8, at around 3.30pm and told the elderly woman living there that her gutters needed cleaning. The man offered to do the work for £100 and followed the occupier inside when she agreed.
The woman gave him £100 as a second man went round the back of the property with a ladder. A short time later the first man knocked back on the front door claiming the woman only gave him £80.
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He followed her back into the house as the occupier got him a further £20. After being given the money, the two men left the address without cleaning the gutters.
The police were subsequently called, and when telling officers what had happened the occupier discovered that a more substantial quantity of money had been taken from the house.
Detectives are now appealing for information from the public following the burglary.
Detective Constable Vicky Hancox, of Warrington Proactive CID, said: “The distraction burglary has left the homeowner extremely shaken up and upset – and understandably so. Your home is the place you should be able to feel most safe.
"Being the victim of a burglary is always a deeply upsetting experience, but it is particularly traumatic when it occurs when you are at home. In this instance, we believe that the man who knocked on the victim’s door offering to clean the gutters stole a quantity of cash whilst he was inside the house.
“He is described as a white man who looked to be in his 40s. He and the man he was with, another white man who spoke with an Irish accent, then left the address without carrying out the agreed work.
"It is believed that they were travelling in a white van. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing. As part of our enquiries, I urge anyone who believes that they man have any information or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage regarding the incident, the two men or the white van to get in touch.”
Anyone with information or footage that may help with the investigation is urged to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 1474656. Alternatively, give the details via the Cheshire Constabulary website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Residents are advised to be wary of anyone who calls at their homes unexpectedly and to never let strangers inside.
DC Hancox said: “I want to take this opportunity to urge residents to be vigilant and to call the police on 101 if you become suspicious of anyone who comes to your door offering to carry out work. I also ask residents to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours by checking on their welfare and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.”
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