Residents urged to be vigilant after elderly woman threatened

Officers are urging residents to be vigilant after an elderly woman was threatened in Burntwood.

Police were called at 6.35pm on Thursday (21 October) to an address close to The Ridgeway following reports of a burglary.

Officers attended and the brother of a 76-year-old woman reported that his sister had been approached by two males who asked whether she needed her garden clearing.

The woman agreed and the men cleared the garden.

However, the men then demanded £80 cash, which the woman was unable to give them.

The men threatened to destroy the garden if they were not paid.

The woman’s neighbour stepped in and walked to a local cash point where he then paid the men £60.

The men later departed the area in an unknown vehicle.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time to get in touch.

Police are also contacting the local Trading Standards team.

Residents concerned about doorstep sellers are advised to never allow any unsolicited visitors into their home and never agree to works being completed by doorstep traders.

If people do call at your front door, follow the STOP, CHAIN, CHECK rule:

• STOP – If you are not expecting anybody, don’t let them in.
• CHAIN- Use your door chain or bar before opening the door.
• CHECK – Ask to see ID and double check this.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 657 of 21 October.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 999 in an emergency.