Police Warn Residents To Be Vigilant After Scams In Warwickshire
Police are warning residents to be aware of distraction burglaries and scams after elderly victims have been targeted in Warwickshire.
The first incident happened yesterday (Wednesday 8 October) on Headland Road in Welford-On-Avon at around 12.15pm.
A man approached the home of a 77-year-old woman and claimed to be an undercover police officer from Bromsgrove. He asked her if she had any money stolen ‘as there was a man in custody with a large amount of notes’. The man followed the victim around the property but nothing was believed to be stolen.
He is described as white, mid 30s, six foot tall, of a slim build with distinct blue eyes. He was wearing a long sleeved grey top, jeans and a flat cap.
The second incident also occurred on Wednesday 8 October at around 11.40pm.
A 78-year-old man, who lives in Banbury, received a call from somebody who claimed to be a police officer from Hammersmith, stating that his card had been cloned. The victim then transferred around £9,000 to what he believed was a ‘police holding account’ before becoming suspicious and contacting his bank.
The third incident occurred on Wednesday 8 October at approximately 3pm.
A 63-year-old woman, who lives in Exhall, was contacted by a man purporting to be from the ‘Fraud Squad’, and claimed that her account had been subject to fraudulent activity. The victim provided her bank and card details before becoming suspicious. It is believed £70 was then taken from her account.
The public are reminded to never give out their bank details over the phone. If there is somebody at your door claiming to be a police officer, ask for their collar number and to see their warrant card. If in doubt, call the real police on 101. If possible, make sure the line is clear. You can do this by using a different telephone to the one that received the suspicious call, or making a call to someone you know before calling 101.
Police are also urging residents to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours following these incidents and to report any suspicious activity to police.
Anyone who saw a man of the description is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 131 of Wednesday 8 October.
You can also give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Issued: Friday 10 October
