Beds Police is warning residents in Grange Gardens, Toddington, to beware of distraction burglars following an attempt by two men to get into an elderly woman’s home on Wednesday 25 February.
Between 3pm and 3.20pm the two offenders knocked on the victim’s rear fence and said they were working on a nearby property and that she, an elderly woman in her 70s, needed to turn off her water otherwise her house would be flood.
She refused but the men persisted saying they would go and ask their boss if they could go into her house and turn it off for her. She replied “no thank you” and immediately locked and bolted her gate and locked up the house.
She then watched through her window as the offenders walking to her neighbours before getting into a small red/maroon car and have drove out of the Close.
The offenders are both described as white men in their late teens, of slim build, both wearing dark clothing and were using a maroon car.
Detective Constable Matt Shepherd, investigating, said: “I’d like to congratulate this lady for not falling for their scam and becoming a victim to their attempt at a distraction burglary. I’d also like to warn other residents in the Toddington and surrounding area to be on the lookout for these two suspects.
“If anyone calls claiming to be working for a neighbour don’t let them into your house. Close and lock your doors and windows and call the Police immediately on 999 and we will send officers to investigate.
“If anyone tries to get into your home without any prior notice always ask for identification. Any reputable service engineer will show you identification. Call directory enquiries for a customer services number at power or water companies, don’t take a number, especially a mobile number, from them as it may be part of the scam.
“If in doubt, keep them out.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact DC Matt Shepherd, in confidence, at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.