Elderly householders warned after burglaries

4:38pm Tuesday 2nd September 2008

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A SPATE of distraction burglaries in Coalpit Heath and Yate has sparked a fresh warning to elderly householders.

Police are urging residents to be on their guard against conmen who call at the door posing as Water Board and local authority officials.

Acting Sergeant for Yate and Chipping Sodbury Neil Whyman said: "All four distraction burglaries happened in Coalpit Heath, Yate and one was in Downend last Friday.

"It seems to be elderly members of the community who are being targeted.

"It is the same old story where one person ask to check the taps and the other one pretends to check the property but actually steals items."

He said the recent incidents were linked and police believed two men were responsible for the burglaries.

The first offender is described as a white male, of large build, around 6ft tall with brown hair. The second is slightly shorter and both are in their late-twenties to mid-thirties with a northern accent.

Sgt Whyman reminded residents of the doorstep code.

He said: "We want people to be more vigilant, to check ID cards and make sure their doors are locked."

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.