‘Despicable’ gang target elderly Shildon pair

Jan 17 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

THIEVES described as despicable are being hunted by police after conning an elderly couple out of their life savings.

The three, posing as electricity company workers, talked their way into the home of the husband and wife, both in their 80s, on Thursday morning.

One man remained in the sitting room of the house in Byerley Road, Shildon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, close to the electricity meter, while the other two searched upstairs rooms.

They stole several thousand pounds in £20 and £10 notes.

Detective Sergeant Lee Herridge, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said it was obvious the couple had been targeted deliberately.

He said: “The elderly lady, who is deaf, let them in and realised the money had gone shortly after they left. She went to a neighbour, who raised the alarm.”

One man was slim and wearing dark clothes; another was thin and possibly wearing a light-coloured raincoat; and the third was described as of hefty build.

DS Herridge said: “These are despicable offences where criminals with no conscience target the very vulnerable. Everyone in the community should be alert to what has gone on.

“These men walked away with the life savings of this elderly couple.

“We want to hear from anyone who was in this area of Shildon on Thursday morning and may have seen this trio or know of them.

“The last thing we want is for others to fall victim.

“All anyone needs to do to help is to pick up a telephone and ring us.”

Police repeated their warning to householders to demand identification from any doorstep callers purporting to represent utility companies.

“Any bona fide worker will be happy to provide identification and to call back at a more convenient time,” said a spokesman.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0345 606-0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.