Appeal following increase in reported distraction burglaries

Officers are appealing for information after a series of reported distraction burglaries and thefts in Staffordshire.

Police were first called at 5pm on Monday 23 August to Duck Lane in Bilbrook.

The victim reported an apparent door-to-door salesman demanding money for items.

When the victim was unable to pay, the offender convinced her to hand over her bank card and pin number in order to collect £20.

The offender returned the card later, however, the victim then discovered that the man had taken a total of £120.

The offender is described as white, aged late 20s to 30s, bald and of slim build, wearing a DK blue sweatshirt, navy blue tracksuit bottoms, carrying a blue Nike holdall.

A similar offence was reported on Friday (3 September) in Tamworth.

Police were called at 1.21pm to Nursery Lane in Hopwas.

The victim reported handing over her bank card to a door-to-door salesman dressed in dark clothing, carrying a dark holdall.

The offender was travelling in a grey Vauxhall Corsa, the partial number plate of which is VN59, with another person waiting in the driver’s seat while he approached front doors.

The victim had agreed to purchase some dish cloths from the offender when she gave him her card.

A total of £450 was later reported stolen.

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage of each areas at the time of the offences and urge anyone with information to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 388 of 3 September.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.