Bogus caller steals handbag from Bromsgrove woman

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A WOMAN in her 60s had her handbag stolen by a bogus caller in Bromsgrove on Sunday (July 1).

The distraction burglary happened at a property in Birmingham Road, near Hazelton Road, at around 5.45pm.

A man appeared at the back of her home and asked if she had the phone number for the RSPCA.

She went into the house to fetch the phone book and a pen, but when she returned the man had gone.

A short time after she found her beige handbag, which contained a purse, with a small amount of cash, a bank book, her keys, bus pass and utility cards, had gone.

The man was white, in his 30s, 5ft 4ins tall and slim. He had straight blond hair and was wearing a short-sleeved, light blue shirt and light grey trousers.

Following the incident, PC James Guinivan warned residents to be on their guard when they having unknown callers at the door.

"Distraction burglars often target homes where they think older people live who may be more vulnerable to this type of offence."

And he appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to call him on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more on West Mercia Police's ‘Knock Knock' campaign to raise awareness and prevent distraction burglaries, visit the ‘advice section' of www.westmercia.police.uk

There, residents can print off a 'No Callers Without An Appointment' poster for their windows.

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