Warning after bogus officials strike

ELDERLY householders are being urged to be on their guard against bogus callers after hundreds of pounds in cash and jewellery were stolen in Wath and Brampton.

On both occasions the offenders posed as water board officials.

On Thursday December 17, a 93-year-old Brampton woman answered her door to two men at about 2.15.

One stated that he needed to check the water supply as it could be poisonous.

While she was distracted the other man searched a bedroom and stole £200 in cash and jewellery.

At about 11am on Tuesday December 22, a 73-year-old woman in Wath fell victim to a similar ploy, when two men told her she had a collapsed drain and they needed to put dye in the water. While she stayed in the kitchen to run the taps her flat was searched and £185 cash taken.

Police say it is possible that the men were involved both times. One is aged between 25 and 35, of medium build, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 10 tall, clean shaven with dark hair. The other was of similar build and had dark hair but was shorter.