Donation to Help Ellesmere Distraction Victim

An elderly woman from Ellesmere who had her savings stolen during a distraction burglary is smiling again after the police were able to replace some of the money.

The victim, who is in her 80s and does not wish to be named, had moved to Shropshire last year to be closer to her daughter, having lived in London most of her life.

Although distraction burglaries remain rare in the county, the incident left the lady feeling extremely upset and vulnerable; especially as she felt moving here would have been considerably safer than living in the capital.

The incident happened on 4 September, when a man called at her address and claimed he needed to check the water. It is believed a second person then entered the address while he kept the victim distracted.

The victim became suspicious and called police after he left, who attended and found that cash and even the lady's engagement ring had been stolen.

Community Support Officer Tracey Walker, who visited the lady for reassurance after the incident, took it upon herself to try and make things a little better for the 87-year-old and applied to the force's Police Community Fund.

A donation of £200 was agreed by the trustees and was presented to the victim at her home last week.

"It was a small gesture but it really made her feel better and she thought it was a lovely gesture," said CSO Walker.

Police also urged people never to let an unexpected visitor into their home, whoever the person might claim to be or what their reason is for needing to come inside.

For more information on distraction burglaries and bogus callers, West Mercia Police operates the Knock Knock campaign with hints and tips on what to in such circumstances. Leaflets are available from police station front counters and information is also available n our Knock Knock section.