Staffordshire Police are issuing a warning following a series of four burglaries that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, May 18, in the areas of Coppenhall, Bradley, Codsall, and Kingsley Holt. Thieves took advantage of unlocked doors while residents were outside, stealing cash, jewellery, bank cards, and keys.
The first incident took place around 12:30pm on Church Lane, Coppenhall. An elderly woman working in her garden was approached by a man wearing a hi-vis jacket. He distracted her by pretending to discuss roadworks and lorries. Meanwhile, an accomplice entered her home through an unlocked door and stole cash and jewellery.
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 30 and 40, approximately 5ft 9in tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing dark trousers, a black bobble hat, and a high-vis vest. Witnesses reported seeing a white or cream car nearby carrying this man and two others also dressed in hi-vis clothing.
Additional burglaries occurred within hours, all involving unlocked doors:
- 1pm, Bradley: On Shredicote Lane, a woman gardening left her door unlocked. Thieves entered and took bank cards and keys after an untidy search.
- 1-3pm, Codsall: On Wood Road, an elderly woman who was out shopping left a door open. Burglars stole jewellery.
- 2pm, Kingsley Holt: On Churnet Valley Road, an elderly woman mowing her lawn left a door unlocked. A thief took her handbag containing cash and bank cards.
Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, Staffordshire Police’s burglary lead, commented: “These crimes target mainly elderly females who leave doors unsecured or are distracted. Cash, cards, and jewellery have been taken in what are truly despicable crimes.”
He urged all residents to always lock their front and back doors, even when at home. “If someone claims to be from an organisation, ask for ID before letting them in. If you feel suspicious, don’t open the door.”
To protect yourself from doorstep burglars, always keep all doors locked—front and back—even when working in the garden or at home. When answering the door, double-check that back doors are locked as burglars often work in pairs. Use a door chain if available and do not remove it unless you are sure the visitor is genuine. Improving security on doors, windows, and fences can make break-ins more difficult. Store valuables out of sight or in a safe to deter thieves.
If you witnessed anything suspicious in these areas during the times mentioned, please contact Staffordshire Police anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 123. For more home security advice, visit the Staffordshire Police Home Security Advice page.
Originally published by UKNIP.
