Police are reminding people to be vigilant and look out for elderly family members and neighbours following a series of distraction burglaries in Walsall and Birmingham.
Two fraudsters pretending to be from the water board attending a fault have stolen cash from the homes of five elderly people between 9 January and 20 January.
Detectives are investigating and believe the incidents are linked.
The offenders used similar distraction techniques in each of the burglaries; posing as staff from the water board, they told their victims there was an issue with the water and to go and turn their taps on. Once distracted the crooks have gone in and taken cash, jewellery and other expensive items.
Officers ask you to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours and remind them of the dangers of bogus callers.
It’s worth remembering that the water board does not exist anymore.
If anyone receives a knock on the door from people claiming to be from the police, council, a utility company or any other organisation always ask to see identification.