BEWARE OF BOGUS CALLERS COLLECTING GLASS AND PLASTIC BOTTLES IN KINGS LANGLEY

A KINGS Langley couple had their house ransacked by conmen claiming to be collecting glass and plastic bottles in Kings Langley on Wednesday (October 3, 2007) and police are raising awareness of this crime to help prevent others being duped.

Between 1.45pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, a couple aged in their 80s were approached by a man at a bus stop who said he was from a charity collecting plastic and glass bottles and asked for the couple's address. When the couple returned home, an untidy search of their house had taken place and a quantity of cash stolen.

The offender is described as a white man, in his early 20s, between 5 ft 9 and 5 ft 11, with short wavy blond hair and he was smartly dressed.

Dacorum Neighbourhood Inspector Clare Smith said: “The couple were very shocked to find their house burgled and we hope that by publicising this unusual type of distraction burglary that other people will not be conned.”

She said: “Distraction burglars are very convincing and I would urge family members and neighbours to keep an extra eye on vulnerable and elderly people to reduce the chances of this happening to them. Never disclose personal details, including your address, to strangers.

“We hope members of the public recognise the description of this man and contact us.”

Anyone with any information about these bogus callers are asked to contact police on the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222.

October 2007