Cash stolen in Evesham distraction burglary - The Evesham Observer

Cash stolen in Evesham distraction burglary

Evesham Editorial 27th Mar, 2017   0

A MAN claiming to be from the Salvation Army stole an envelope full of cash from a house in Evesham in what police believe was a distraction burglary.

It happened between 11.30am and 12pm last Monday (March 20) at a property in The Hodges.

The man knocked on the door of the property and told the victim he was from the Salvation Army and was fitting burglar alarms. He was very insistent, but not aggressive, and was allowed inside the house.

He then looked around the property and told the home owner it would cost £200 for the alarms to be fitted.




The following morning the victim discovered an envelope in a draw containing money was missing.

The suspect is described as a white male with a Birmingham accent and aged in his late 30s. He was believed to be wearing a high viz jacket, a grey woolley hat, jeans and possibly had dark coloured hair.



Police have issued some advice on how to protect yourself from bogus traders:

1. Don’t be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep.

2. Get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations.

3. Only deal with firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses – beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers and accommodation addresses.

4. Anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it by law.

5. All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, usually on the doorstep – it is an offence not to do so.

6. If you don’t want to speak to the trader don’t open your door to them – it can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys so it might be easier to keep the door closed.

7. Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.

8. Refuse to be taken to the bank to withdraw money – if you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the police.

For further Crime Prevention advice visit the Crime & Safety section at the West Mercia Police website. 

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