Published: Friday, 17th November 2017
Cannock Chase Council is warning residents to be vigilant following a distraction theft in Norton Canes last week.
A serious incident involving an elderly person occurred on St James Road in Norton Canes on Thursday 9 November at approximately 7:45am. A trader approached a resident at her home, offering to cut a tree in the garden. The resident handed a large sum of money to the man and he left and didn’t return.
Councillor Carl Bennett, Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships said “This is an appalling case of distraction theft and a stark reminder to residents especially the elderly and vulnerable in Cannock Chase, to be on their guard.”
“It is particularly important to never allow unsolicited visitors into your home or agree to any work to be carried out by doorstep traders. We often hear reports of people purporting to be from the Council. We would remind residents that anyone from the Council, South Staffordshire Water or other official organisations would have a photograph ID, however if you are unsure then please do not hesitate to call the authority concerned to check. Anyone who is genuine would never mind you checking.”
Duncan Rollo, Partnership Manager, Cannock Chase Local Policing Team said “Any suspicious callers should be reported to Staffordshire Police immediately.
For more information and advice about crime prevention or information about your local policing team visit the Staffordshire Police website at www.staffordshire.police.uk.
Please encourage friends and neighbours to sign up to smart alerts or their local neighbourhood watch scheme by visiting www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk – together we can fight crime’’.
The man in this instance was described as white, of large build and wearing navy clothing. He was driving a small white car and drove off towards Norton East Road.
If anyone has any information which could assist the police with their enquiries, please contact 101 quoting incident number 108 of 9 November.