Bogus Water Board Staff

Pensioner is conned by Bogus Water Official
We highlighted on the 11th February 2006, that thieves posing as water board workers tricked their way into an elderly Wiltshire woman's house to steal a large amount of cash. The men talked their way into the property, in Lavington Close, Burbage, on Friday evening, searching the premises and making off with the money.

It has come to our attention that a similar gang or maybe the same culprits have conned their way into an 85-year-old women's home in Lydiard Millicent and stole £1000 from her bedroom. The bogus caller told the pensioner her neighbours were experiencing trouble with their water supply and he needed to come in and sort the problem. The incident occured at about 6.40pm on Monday 13th February 2006 in Bury Fields. The conman, asked the resident to turn the taps on and hold them on while he went around the property to check. After about five minutes the lady realised he had left and taken proerty from her bedroom, including an amount of cash.

Police have warned other residents in the area to be on their guard, in case the tricksters target other homes. One of the men was scruffy, with short mousey hair and a round face. Police have advised residents to always check callers identity and if you are not satisfied you should firstly refuse entry and call the police. Genuine callers will invariably be very helpful to provide means of identification and telephone numbers to verify the authenticity.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000