Fake water board official steals from 95-year-old woman
A man claiming to be a water board official distracted a 95-year-old woman and stole medication from her home in Newby.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the theft which happened in Moor Lane between 4pm and 5pm last Saturday.
After entering the victim’s home, the man told her to turn on the kitchen tap while he tested the water pipes.
When he left, the victim noticed that her grey medication safe was missing from the lounge.
The man was last seen walking off along Throxenby Lane.
Officers are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident, or have been approached in similar circumstances to get in touch.
Detective Constable Ryan Chapman, of Scarborough CID, said: “While this is the only report we have had of an incident of this nature in Newby, I would like to warn residents to be vigilant and call police if they see anyone acting suspiciously in the area.
“The victim has been left understandably upset by the incident and I urge people to keep an eye out for their elderly neighbours and relatives to ensure they know what to do when people like this call at their door.”
Police have issued the following advice to help guard against bogus officials:
Lock all doors - even when you are at home.
Stop before you open the door, ask them who they are.
Always use a door chain or spy hole.
Not sure who they are? Don’t open the door.
Always ask the caller for their identification, and check it, before letting them in.
Remember a genuine caller will happily wait outside while you check on them by calling their organisation or a family member or neighbour.