Conmen steal from 20 elderly people

Apr 26 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

CONMEN have targeted elderly residents in their own homes across the North East.

The bogus officials, who claim they are from the water or gas boards, struck in Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham on Wednesday and Thursday.

In total, more than £1,000 in cash was stolen as well as jewellery and other valuables.

In all, 20 homes were hit by the gang and all the victims were between 80 and 98 years old. No injuries were reported.

The incidents in County Durham occurred on North Road, Chester-le-Street, two in Bearpark on the outskirts of Durham and three in South Durham.

On each occasion two men with either Irish or Scottish accents talked their way into the homes.

One distracted the victim while the other sneaked into the house to take possessions or cash.

Police said they were keeping an open mind as to whether all the incidents were linked.

Supt Derek Scot said: “We are dealing with a number of shocking offences where elderly people have been targeted in their own homes. Thankfully no-one was injured, but a great deal of distress has been caused to these elderly people.”

Det Insp Dave Wolfe is in charge of Operation Bombay, a joint initiative to target bogus traders involving officers from Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces.

He said: “I have seen the impact this kind of crime can have on the people who are targeted. It can be devastating for them.

“The people who carry out these kind of crimes are the lowest of the low.

“It is unusual to have this level of activity in such a short period of time. These incidents are under investigation and we have got some leads. We are confident we can catch these people.”

The offences on Wednesday were all between 12.45pm and 7.20pm. Both men were wearing dark clothing and driving a dark-coloured vehicle. A spokesman for Northumbrian Water said: “It is very unlikely that a Northumbrian Water employee will request access to a customer’s property without an appointment.

“ If a stranger does knock at the door claiming to be from Northumbrian Water or ‘water board’, then customers should keep the door locked, or on a chain, until they have checked and double checked the caller’s identity.

“For further peace of mind customers can also register a password with Northumbrian Water – if anyone from the water company needs to access a registered customer’s home they will know the password.”

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0845 604-3043, Durham Constabulary on 0845 606-0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.