Police have issued a warning to elderly residents in a town near the Nottinghamshire border after a series of distraction burglaries. Derbyshire Police said a number of burglaries were reported in the Ilkeston area over April 14 and 15.
The crimes, also reported in Swadlincote, saw a group of up to four men attend the home of elderly residents claiming to be working for a utility or property repair company. One of the males goes over the boundary to the side or rear of the property to take the homeowner to view the alleged problem while the others enter the property and steal items from within, often jewellery and cash.
A silver VW Golf has been seen in the areas around the times of the distraction burglaries. The men involved have been described as white males, usually wearing all black clothing and often wearing surgical type masks.
In a statement Derbyshire Police said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have had a visit from any unannounced callers such as this, as well as anyone who may have seen a group of men matching their description, behaving suspiciously in the areas on the days stated." The force recommended relatives of potential victims should encourage them to lock their doors, check the ID of a caller and not keep large quantities of cash at home.
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