Distraction Burglary In Telford

Police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary at an elderly man's home in Telford.

The victim - a man aged in his 90's - was at his home in Ridgway in High Ercall when he found an unknown man in his hallway, some time between 6pm and 9pm on Wednesday.(23 May)

The unknown man told the elderly man that he needed to get to the back of the property because he was putting up new garden fencing in the area.

The victim became suspicious and managed to usher the intruder out and went back inside the property and ensured all of his doors were locked.

However, later on that night, it was discovered that a room in the house had been ransacked and a wallet containing personal documents had been stolen.

Police are investigating the matter and are eager to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area to come forward. Officers also want to hear from any residents who received any similar callers to their property.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "It appears that an individual had entered the property at some point on Wednesday evening and had gone into a room at the back and stolen the elderly man's wallet.

"Around the same time the victim confronted an intruder in his home and ushered him out of the property after becoming suspicious of what he said he was doing.

"It is believed that the caller to the man's home was a distraction burglar and we are eager to identify who he is.

"He is described as white, aged in his mid to late twenties and around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing a hat, a smart white button shirt and black fitted trousers with light coloured trainers. He was clean shaven.

"If you know who he is, or have any information in relation to the matter, then please call police."

Telford Police can be contacted on 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Issued: Friday 25 May 2012.