Police Praise Oswestry Residents In Distraction Burglary Bid

Police Praise Oswestry Residents In Distraction Burglary Bid

Police today praised two elderly Oswestry women for their actions in preventing distraction burglars entering their homes.

Two men attempted to gain entry to the homes in Llwyn Fields at around 6pm on Saturday.

In the one incident, the 75-year-old occupant opened her front door just a couple of inches when a man rang the doorbell.  He said he needed to come into the kitchen because there had been some flooding at a bungalow a few doors away.

But she was suspicious, especially when she spotted a second man stood behind him.  As she attempted to close the door, the man placed his foot in the way, but she pushed harder and managed to shut and lock it.

It seems the same two men called at a neighbouring property but the occupant refused to open the door, told them to go away and that she was calling the police.  The men promptly left.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "These two elderly ladies showed tremendous awareness and pluck.  Their suspicions were raised and they acted accordingly.

"The golden rule is never let strangers who come calling inside your home, whatever story they give.  They might claim to be from the water authority or the council, or make out there is an emergency situation nearby, but even if they offer identity cards, don't let them in.

"Keep the door shut and call a friend or neighbour.  If possible call the authority they claim to be from to check them out and if you are suspicious, call the police immediately.  But don't let them inside."

A witness appeal has been issued with regards to the incidents.  Anyone who may have spotted the men in the Llwyn Fields area early on Saturday evening, perhaps driving off, is asked to contact Oswestry police station on the 101 non-emergency number.

Issued: Monday, 16 January 2012