Detectives are warning residents to be on their guard following two bogus official incidents.
The first incident happened on Monday 11 February between 3pm and 3.30pm. A man knocked at the door of an elderly lady in Woodlands Road, Stafford, claiming to be from the water board.
The man entered the house and ran the taps, telling the woman the pipes were frozen and needed thawing out. Whilst the woman was distracted a second man is believed to have entered the property.
After the man left, claiming to be checking outside, the woman realised money had been taken.
The offenders were seen to get into a dark coloured saloon car parked further up Woodlands Road.
The first man is described as white, aged early 20’s, 5ft 4in to 5in 6in tall, with a medium build and light brown hair. He was clean shaven and wore a grey three-quarter length woollen coat with navy gloves.
The second man is described as white, aged in his 40’s, 5ft 4in to 5in 6in tall, with a stocky build and black hair combed over. He was clean shaven and wore a navy three-quarter length coat.
The second incident occurred at around 5pm on Tuesday 12 February. A man asked to use an elderly woman’s telephone in St. Michael’s Road, Penkridge.
After using the phone he followed the woman into the kitchen for a drink of water. The man left saying he would be back later. On this occasion the bogus official left empty-handed.
This man is described as white, clean shaven, 5ft 8in tall and spoke with a local accent. He wore a dark overcoat.
At this stage detectives are linking these two incidents.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 540 of February 12. Alternatively they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
