Important Derbyshire police advice after incident

Police are reiterating safety and home security advice after cash was stolen from a house by burglars posing as council workers.
Stock picture.Stock picture.
Stock picture.

The men claimed to be working for a council when they called at a property in Queen Street, Clay Cross, towards the end of last month.

One of the men asked if the occupants needed any garden waste or domestic waste removing, to which the homeowner agreed.

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A few days later, the same man returned to the address and asked to be shown around the back garden to collect the waste.

While he was there, a second bogus council worker walked into the property and said he needed to check water pipes.

He then took cash and, when he was challenged, he left the property quickly along with the first man.

They then left in a light coloured vehicle in the direction of Stretton.

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The first man was white, aged between 45 and 50, was about 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build and spoke with an Irish accent. No description was available for the second man.

Police want to speak to anyone who might recognise the description of the first offender or who may be able to help in any way.

The offence happened between 10.30am and 11am on March 27. If you can help, contact DC Andrew Cocking on 101, quoting reference 17000128606. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It has also prompted police to reissue safety advice around distraction burglaries. Advice includes:

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- Consider installing a door chain and make sure you keep your home secure

- Do not open your door to anyone who calls without warning, no matter what excuses they give. Genuine callers will not call unannounced - they will arrange an appointment or give written notice about work taking place

- Check the identification of any callers and, if they claim to represent a company or utility, call that company and check if they have cold callers in the area

- Do not be tempted to leave your house with a caller, even if it is just for a minute and into your garden

- If a cold caller is persistent or makes you feel concerned or uncomfortable, call police immediately