RESIDENTS have been put on red alert by worried police officers after a string of distraction burglaries in Chester.
Four homes in Blacon, Vicars Cross and Guilden Sutton, were targeted in just 48 hours following a similar spate of burglaries in the city.
In the most recent incidents the culprits, who claim to be from the water board, have duped both elderly and vulnerable residents.
Yesterday morning two more addresses in the Blacon area were targeted.
Shortly before 10am police were notified about an incident at an address on Masefield Drive where an elderly woman was tricked into letting two men who claimed to be water board workers into her house.
After they entered the house one of the men distracted the woman while the other made a search of the house and left with a quantity of money.
Within the same hour a man called at an address on Morton Road, Blacon. He again claimed to be from the water board and entered the house, but did not steal anything.
The man is described as in his 20s, smart looking, with dark hair, of thin build and tall. He was wearing a blue pilot-style jacket, a pale blue shirt and dark trousers.
At lunchtime on Wednesday two men approached the home an elderly lady on Queens Road in Vicar Cross claiming to work for the water board, and said they needed to check the water supply.
The vigilant resident asked them for their identification cards and when they could not produce them she refused to let them into her house.
One of the men is described as white, in his 30s, of medium build with medium length hair and wearing a dark suit.
A short time later it is believed that the same men went to an address on Ash Bank, in Guilden Sutton. They again claimed to be from the water board and told the elderly occupant that the local water had been poisoned and they needed to turn off her supply. She let them into her house where they remained for five minutes, but it is not believed that anything was stolen.
One of the men is described as white, about 6ft tall and between 45 and 60 years of age.
The second man was shorter, in a blue denim top, possibly a jacket
A police spokesman said: “We would ask relatives, friends and neighbours to be vigilant and to keep an eye out for vulnerable residents.”
Anybody who has any information about any of the incidents is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 and ask for Chester CID.
TIPS TO STOP BEING TARGETED
Remember, if someone calls at your door:
l- Always ask for Identification. If not provided or you are not happy with the caller do not let them into your house.
-If in doubt ring the company they claim to work for.
l Use your door chain if you have one.
l Genuine visitors will not object to you checking their identity.