Appeal after theft and attempted distraction burglary

Officers are urging people to be vigilant after a theft and attempted distraction burglary took place in Tamworth.

Police were called at 12.30pm on Tuesday (17 August) to the Overwoods Road area.

Officers attended and a woman reported being approached by a man who said he was carrying out gardening work in the area.

He asked whether the woman would like the bushes and trees taken from her garden, to which she agreed, and the man asked for cash up-front.

The victim entered her property to collect the cash, as did the man, and another unknown male.

While she handed over £260 to the first man, the other man attempted to distract her, though she did not leave him alone.

Both men then departed in a white van displaying a ‘gardening services’ sticker.

The first man who approached the victim is described as white, around 5ft 8 inches to 6ft tall, of stocky build, wearing dark clothing – overalls or jeans with a dark top – and a yellow/cream helmet with googles attached.

No description of the second man has been supplied.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the area at the time and urge anyone who may have dashcam footage to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 282 of 17 August.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.