Warning after doorstep scammers burgle blind man and 90-year-old woman

The burglars posed as staff from Yorkshire Water and knocked on the victims' doors claiming that there is an issue with the water supply.

When they were welcomed into the home, the victims were distracted by one offender while the other searched the houses and stole jewellery and cash.

These incidents targeted a woman in her 90's in the Wrenthorpe area and a blind male in his 60's from the Castleford area.

This type of 'doorstep crime' - where criminals try and talk their way into your home - is on the rise across the region.

Chief Inspector Dan Wood urged caution in east Leeds - in particular in Middleton, Farnley, New Farnley and Meanwood.

He said: "In recent days we have seen an emerging issue of offenders burgling the homes of elderly / vulnerable people in Leeds by distracting the victim - usually by pretending to be water maintenance workers (for example, saying they need to come in to check the taps or water pressure) and then stealing items from rooms inside.

"Leeds has seen offences in Middleton, Farnley, New Farnley and Meanwood - and nearby Wakefield policing district has also seen offences in Castleford, Pontefract, Liversedge and Wakefield.

"Please be vigilant and look out for your relatives or neighbours who may be vulnerable."

Leeds North West District Neighbourhood Support Officer, Dan Pickles, also urged caution.

He said: "We are noticing an increase in reports of 'doorstep traders' in the west of Leeds, especially targeting the elderly.

"We urge all residents to exercise caution when dealing with anyone who attempts to sell any product or service which has not been requested.

"Quite often, these callers are claiming to work for large firms such as water and gas firms.

"Any legitimate employee of the large firms these traders claim to work for, would have no issue showing some identification."

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West Yorkshire Police advice to deal with doorstep crime:

The aim of the doorstep criminal is to try and talk their way into your home so that they do not have to break in.

There are different types of doorstep criminal.

Rogue traders are dishonest tradespeople who turn up unannounced and offer jobs such roofing and gardening.

The work they then do may not be needed in the first place and done to a poor standard.

The work is often overpriced.

Remember to: obtain 3 written quotes before choosing a trader, don’t pay any money upfront, particular in cash and only pay for work once it has been completed and you are satisfied with the job.

Bogus callers are people who try to con their way into your home to steal or trick you out of money.

They often pretend to be from a professional company such as your energy or water provider.

However, they may pretend they need some help, are an old friend, collecting for charity or say that they are conducting a survey.

This type of criminal may work with an accomplice who sneaks in and searches your house for valuables while you are kept distracted.

Remember to check other doors and windows are locked before answering the door so no one else can sneak in, ask for ID through the letterbox and call the number in your bill or phonebook to check the caller’s identity and keep the door locked until you’re happy to let them in.

Some uninvited callers at your door may be salespeople who refuse to take ‘no’ for an answer and use pushy tactics.

Remember that you do not have to buy from them and consider setting up a Cold Calling Control Zone, managed by West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

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