Distraction burglars target elderly in Derbyshire villages

An 87-year-old woman was targeted sometime between noon and 6.30pm on Thursday, May 18 when a man went to her house in Newton.

He claimed to be a workman and asked if he could fill his bucket with water. She stayed with him while he did this and then he left. It was later found that someone had rifled through her bedroom.

That same day, sometime between 5.30pm and 7pm, a family in Blackwell was targeted. A man visited the house of an 89-year-old man and his daughter, asking to fill a bucket. When he left, the pair realised a handbag had been stolen from upstairs.

The man is described as white, of medium build and he spoke with a local accent.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call DC Andrew Cocking on 101, quoting reference 17000208267 for the Blackwell crime and 17000211755 for the Newton one.

Alternatively, send the officer a message online by visiting www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.