DECEPTIVE thieves claiming to be from a water company have targeted homes in Leamington and Rugby.
Police are appealing for witnesses following two distraction burglaries which happened on Tuesday (January 14).
The first happened at around 5.30pm on Quarry Close in Rugby. The victims questioned the two men about the company they claimed to work for before the pair fled. They are not believed to have taken anything. Both men were white and one is thought to have a Liverpudlian or Irish accent.
The second incident took place at around 6.50pm at an address on Rylands Close in Leamington when a man gave the same explanation before making off with cash stolen from the property.
The man is described as white, around 5’10” tall, slim and wearing dark clothing with his hood up.
Det Ins Cindy Stephenson said: “We are investigating both incidents, which we believe to be linked, and would urge residents to be wary of cold callers at the door and to not let them into the house, no matter how good their intentions may seem.
“These callers will use ways to distract the occupant, making up stories to get into the house and then when they’re inside, stealing anything valuable that may be on display. Often, their stories are very convincing and the occupant will have no reason not to think they are genuine but we really want people to be on their guard.
“If you happened to be in either area at around the time of each incident and saw something suspicious, we would urge you to get in touch. Any information you may have could really help with our investigation.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101.