CHRIS BISHOP Distraction thieves stole thousands an elderly widow had saved up for her husband's funeral. Police say one stopped to talk to the 82-year-old victim as she was putting her wheely bins outside her house in Middleton, near King's Lynn.

CHRIS BISHOP

Distraction thieves stole thousands an elderly widow had saved up for her husband's funeral.

Police say one stopped to talk to the 82-year-old victim as she was putting her wheely bins outside her house in Middleton, near King's Lynn.

While he kept her occupied, his accomplice entered her home and stole £3,500 from her bedroom.

Lou Wenn, 78, the brother of the victim, said: “They are the scum of the earth to do such an evil thing.

“She called me as soon as it happened and I was very shocked because I had only just left her.

“She was just getting over the death of her husband last month. She was saving the money up for his funeral and this has meant a lot of sleepless nights.”

The incident took place at around 5.30pm on Monday, July 23. Last night Det Insp Paul Chapman, of Lynn CID, said he did not think the burglary was an opportunist theft.

“I'm wholly convinced that they were in the area for distraction burglaries,” he said. “This lady was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Det Con Natalie Staff, of King's Lynn CID: “This is a callous and despicable crime against an elderly vulnerable lady who is already suffering following the loss of her husband.

“We would urge anyone with any information, however small, to contact us immediately.”

The first offender was described as white, about 30-years-old, 5ft 10in tall with tidy light brown hair. He was clean shaven with a fresh complexion and of stocky build. He wore a light blue top.

The second offender is again white, aged about 30 and a little shorter than the first. He was clean shaven, with short dark brown hair and of medium build.

A third offender was spotted hanging round in the area and officers believe a small blue car was involved which was parked near-by.

He has been described as white, shorter and stockier than the other two and wearing a dark jacket.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who may have been approached in this manner.

They are warning:

Elderly householders should be on their guard and members of the public who have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour or relative should be vigilant.

Always ask for identification from any unexpected callers and do not to let anyone in if you are not comfortable with who they are. Make a phone call to the relevant utility company to check the validity of the visitor.

Councils and utilities companies will generally contact householders by telephone or letter if they plan to carry out repairs rather than make unsolicited calls.

Please report anything suspicious as soon as possible.

Witnesses to the Middleton incident should call Det Con Natalie Staff at King's Lynn CID on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.