Police believe this is the first time such a distraction burglary has been reported in the
West Midlands.
Police are reminding everyone to take care about who they let into their homes after a Covid-related distraction burglary yesterday (Thursday 10 December).
A man in his 90s was persuaded to let a woman into his Wolverhampton home after she told him she needed him to take a Covid-19 test.
But while he was out of the room his mobile phone and cash were stolen and the woman, described as of Asian origin and in her 30s, had left.
Police believe this is the first time such a distraction burglary has been reported in the
West Midlands and officers are urging everyone to check before letting someone they don’t know into their home.
Detective Inspector Kate Longbottom, from Force CID, said: “We are investigating this most callous crime which not only targeted a vulnerable resident but also tapped into concerns and fears around the spread of coronavirus.
“So we are also urging everyone to stop and check before they let a stranger into their home – even if their reason for calling seems genuine and plausible.”
Our advice is to always ask a caller for their identity card – a genuine visitor won’t mind.
If you do have concerns, call the organisation they claim to represent or contact a friend or neighbour and if you’re still not happy, phone the police – dial 999 – and tell us what’s happened.