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Burglary warning over bogus Pcs Burglary warning over bogus Pcs
(about 7 hours later)
People have been warned about a spate of distraction burglaries targeting the elderly, many involving bogus police officers.People have been warned about a spate of distraction burglaries targeting the elderly, many involving bogus police officers.
Thousands of pounds in cash has already been stolen in the 20 burglaries.Thousands of pounds in cash has already been stolen in the 20 burglaries.
They have taken place across the force area over the last five and a half weeks. Ten of the burglaries were by men claiming to be police officers.They have taken place across the force area over the last five and a half weeks. Ten of the burglaries were by men claiming to be police officers.
South Wales Police are looking into whether the crimes are linked but called them "totally despicable".South Wales Police are looking into whether the crimes are linked but called them "totally despicable".
Householders in Bridgend, Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and Porthcawl have been targeted in the burglaries which began on 1 February.Householders in Bridgend, Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and Porthcawl have been targeted in the burglaries which began on 1 February.
One man has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary in Swansea while a woman has been arrested over another in Pontypridd.One man has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary in Swansea while a woman has been arrested over another in Pontypridd.
'Totally despicable''Totally despicable'
On Monday two distraction burglaries and another attempted one took place in Bridgend and Pontyclun.On Monday two distraction burglaries and another attempted one took place in Bridgend and Pontyclun.
Det Supt Dale Ponting said distraction burglary was a "cowardly" crime and one which the force takes extremely seriously.Det Supt Dale Ponting said distraction burglary was a "cowardly" crime and one which the force takes extremely seriously.
He said the high number of incidents recently were "of great concern".He said the high number of incidents recently were "of great concern".
"Some of these recent incidents the burglars have been pretending to be police officers to gain the trust of their elderly victims and then take advantage of that trust."Some of these recent incidents the burglars have been pretending to be police officers to gain the trust of their elderly victims and then take advantage of that trust.
"That is totally despicable and we are doing all we can to catch those responsible.""That is totally despicable and we are doing all we can to catch those responsible."
Personal detailsPersonal details
Det Supt Ponting urged all residents to be vigilant and be suspicious of any callers and also appealed to people who work and care with the elderly - including health professionals, hairdressers and chiropodists, to help.Det Supt Ponting urged all residents to be vigilant and be suspicious of any callers and also appealed to people who work and care with the elderly - including health professionals, hairdressers and chiropodists, to help.
"My message to them is - speak to your customers, your clients, your patients and make sure they are aware not to let callers into their homes.""My message to them is - speak to your customers, your clients, your patients and make sure they are aware not to let callers into their homes."
He also warned the elderly against revealing where they keep any money and not to pass on any personal details such as bank account information.He also warned the elderly against revealing where they keep any money and not to pass on any personal details such as bank account information.
"Even where callers identify themselves as police officers, question why they would want to enter their homes and insist that the enquiry can be dealt with by telephone or request that a trusted neighbour is called to be present.""Even where callers identify themselves as police officers, question why they would want to enter their homes and insist that the enquiry can be dealt with by telephone or request that a trusted neighbour is called to be present."
Anyone who has unknown visitors calling at their home should call police on 999.Anyone who has unknown visitors calling at their home should call police on 999.
Detective said they were keeping an open mind about whether some of the incidents are linked. Detectives said they were keeping an open mind about whether some of the incidents are linked.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01656 655555 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01656 655555 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.