Bridgnorth Couple Get £300 From Police Charity Fund

An elderly Bridgnorth couple left devastated when distraction thieves stole their savings, are smiling again after receiving a cash donation from the police.

The West Mercia Police community fund - which largely relies on voluntary payments from officers and staff - stepped in to replace £300 of the £420 stolen during the burglary in October.

Police Constable Sharon Cooper, one of the officers investigating the crime, decided to apply for a donation after seeing how upset the couple were.

She said: "The couple were distracted by a man who called at their door saying there had been a gas explosion nearby causing the water main to burst.  He said some dye had been put in the water and wanted to check it was coming through the pipes.

"While in the kitchen, an accomplice sneaked in and stole money from various rooms in the house before the couple realised what was happening.  It was their savings and pension money which they had only just drawn out to do the shopping.

"They were extremely upset and I thought they were a very worthy cause to be helped by our PC Fund.  They were absolutely over the moon when told about the donation and said they couldn't believe it.  It's made all the difference to them."

PC Cooper said that incident served as a reminder that strangers knocking on the door should never be allowed inside, whatever story they gave.

"Our advice is not to let cold callers in under any circumstances.  Keep the door closed, call the police by dialling 101 and we will check them out."

Issued: Thursday, 24 November 2011