DISTRACTION burglars targeted homeowners in Weaverham and Frodsham purporting to be from the water board.
At about 1pm on Monday an elderly resident on Martin Road, Frodsham, answered the door to a man claiming to be from the water board saying a pipe had burst and he needed to check the woman’s water.
The victim let him into the house where he was joined by a second man.
When the men used gloves to turn on the taps the woman became suspicious and them to leave.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “The first man is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall of medium build with black, slicked back hair.
“He was in his mid 30s, clean shaven and was wearing a navy jacket.
“The second man was also white, aged in his mid 30s and 5ft 6ins tall. “He was stocky and had short light coloured hair and was wearing a light grey jacket.”
About 45 minutes later a woman in Leigh Way, Weaverham, was sold a similar story but the quick thinking homeowner challenged the man– described as tall, white and in his late 20s, wearing blue clothes – asking him for ID before calling the police.
Inspector Paul Loughlin of Cheshire Police said: “I would remind residents to ask any stranger who calls at their homes for identification.
“If you are still not convinced, do not let them in, instead find a number for the company they claim to be from and call to check their credentials.
“If you are at all suspicious, call the police.
“As this incident shows, these types of criminals will travel from one town or village to the next and usual target elderly or vulnerable people.”
To report suspicious activity in your area ring 0845 458 0000.
