Cash and jewellery taken by conmen
‘Stopcock check’ burglars target elderly people
Burglars posing as water company employees have been conning their way into elderly victims’ homes and stealing from them.
With a fake story about needing to check a stopcock due to water problems in neighbouring homes, two men have persuaded Maidstone residents to let them into their homes.
One man then distracts the vulnerable residents while the other steals cash and jewellery.
Three roads in the town have been targeted – Disraeli Close, Park Wood, at 7.30pm last Thursday ; Courtenay Road, Tovil, at 5.40pm on Friday last week; and Woolley Road, Maidstone, at 11pm Saturday.
The men are described as white, aged 20 to 30, and wearing dark, smart clothing.
On one occasion, one offender was said to have a moustache and the other a goatee beard.
No arrests have been made so far and police are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
Investigating officer PC Michelle Marshall said: “In all three incidents the victims have been elderly, so we are asking friends and relatives of elderly residents to make sure they are aware not to let cold callers into their home without checking they are legitimate.”
Police advise people to keep back doors and windows shut and locked when answering the front door; to fit security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms; and check the ID of all cold callers, never being afraid to turn someone away.
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.