Doorstep conmen target pensioners

Three pensioners had cash and jewellery stolen from their homes after being targeted by conmen in the Black Country.

Thieves posing as water board officials targeted the homes of three women aged 94, 89 and 86.

Police are warning people to be vigilant following the crimes in Tividale, West Bromwich and Rowley Regis.

The first happened at 11.40am on Tuesday at the home of a 94-year-old woman in Tividale when a man claimed to be a water official and stole cash and two gold chains.

He took the items after saying he needed to check a tap in the house.

The second offence also happened last Tuesday, in West Bromwich, at 1.30pm at the home of an 89-year-old.

Police spokeswoman Pav Shergill said: "Again the offender said he was from the water board and asked the victim to check the taps upstairs. He stole some cash."

The man involved in that crime was white, 5ft 3in, with a local accent and was wearing dark clothing.

The third burglary happened on Thursday in Rowley Regis at 2pm. The victim was an 86-year-old woman.

Miss Shergill added: "The offender stated that he needed to turn the water off in the house as someone in the street was having a shower fitted The offender distracted the victim whilst another offender went upstairs and stole cash and some jewellery."

The burglar was white, 5ft 6in and was wearing dark clothing, a green woollen peaked hat and rubber gloves.

The crimes are being investigated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Chief Insp Karl Fellows, operations manager at West Bromwich police station, said: "Bogus officials may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, gas board, health authority or any other organisation.

"Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with a photograph."

West Bromwich has been hit with several distraction burglaries this summer.

Anyone with information should call police on 0345 113 5000.