Con artist linked to two thefts in region

A bogus social worker who stole a pensioner's life savings in Walsall may have struck in West Bromwich as well, it emerged today.

A 91-year-old woman in West Bromwich had her purse stolen by a conwoman, who tricked her way into the home claiming to be from social services and could help her claim more cash. The bogus caller was described as a tall, Asian woman, aged in her 20s or 30s, matching a description of a conwoman who earlier stole £2,000 from a pensioner in Bentley.

She is believed to have targeted other homes in Darlaston, sparking fears of a spate of distraction raids.

Police are now investigating the latest theft on Tuesday at the home in West Bromwich.

The thief flashed an identification card claiming to be from social services to gain access to the home of 91-year-old mother-of-three Matilda Whitehouse, who lives alone.

While in the house she distracted Mrs Whitehouse by asking her to look through some paperwork and after she left, the pensioner discovered her purse had been stolen.

Mrs Whitehouse's son, Paul Whitehouse, aged 55, of Hopkins Drive, said there was £40 in cash and a lot of friend's addresses and personal details in the purse.

"It sounds like she has been got by the same person as in Walsall," he said.

"It was one tall, Asian woman, quite light skinned, in her 20s or 30s and she spoke with a local accent."

It followed another distraction burglary in West Bromwich on Monday in which a 79-year-old man had his wallet stolen by two crooks pretending to be from the water board at his Hateley Heath home.

Police are investigating.