Gwent Police are asking people to be extra vigilant following a number of similar and 'despicable' distraction incidents preying on elderly and vulnerable in the area.
Gwent Police is appealing for information and calling for extra vigilance
The force have reported a series of incidents between June 16 and 24 where a man has tried to gain entrance to a property using similar excuses and stories.
When access had been granted, there were reports of valuables being stolen.
A number of elderly women have been targeted
On June 16, a man called at a 69-year-old woman’s house on Heol Barri in Caerphilly , claiming he wanted to check for any damage to her greenhouse after his sister had been playing with a catapult.
The pensioner, who didn’t own a greenhouse, became suspicious and asked the man to leave, so nothing was stolen.
But on the same day, a man approached a woman in her front garden on Wingfield Crescent in Llandbradach, claiming his daughter had damaged one of her rear windows
He followed her into her home to check the windows and after he left the occupant discovered a quantity of cash was missing from the address.
A week later more women were also targeted
A week later on June 23, a man visited the home of an 84-year-old woman on Heol Isaf in Nelson.
He again falsely claimed that his sister had damaged the pensioners windows, but she refused to grant him access and nothing was stolen.
On the same day a man also called at the address of a 95-year-old woman on Newport Road in Magor, again claiming that his sister had caused damage to one of her rear windows.
The man entered her home to check the back of the property while a second man followed. After they left it was noticed that a number of items of jewellery were stolen.
One of the men is described as being in his late teens/early twenties, around 5’8” tall and of slim/medium build, with dark blonde hair and a local accent.
Jewellery, cash and a safe was stolen
At around 12pm the following day, on June 24, a man called at the address of an 89-year-old woman on Tydfil Road in Bedwas, and said something had gone through one of her back windows.
He entered her home to show her and after he left she noticed that a case of jewellery and cash was missing.
Later the same day, at around 1.10pm, a man called at the address of a 77-year-old woman on Gladstone Street in Abertillery.
Again the excuse was given that damage had been caused to a rear window by his sister. He was granted access and followed her through the house to look at the ‘damage’ while another man entered the property.
The two men were disturbed by a neighbour and made off with a safe.
What have the police said?
DS Michelle Chaplin said: “These are despicable crimes that prey on the elderly and vulnerable. An investigation into all these incidents is currently ongoing, but in the meantime I would ask residents to be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for their neighbours.
“If someone calls at your home who you think is suspicious, please report it to police immediately. Do not grant access to your home if you are unsure of someone and their reasons to enter.”
Gwent Police have offered this three step plan:
- If in doubt keep them out - It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in - they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.
- Be prepared. Be in control - Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.
- Call a neighbour or the police - Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area - call 999.
- see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/number-elderly-vulnerable-women-targeted-11535079
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