Conned Wem OAP who “learned hard way” has £100 replaced

Nov 20 2008 by Andrew Bowan, Whitchurch Herald

An 85-year-old Wem woman who fell victim to a bogus `water board’ official has had her stolen money replaced by the police.

Great- great-grandmother Mrs Elsie Quelch, of Wem had £100 stolen from her purse by a man who knocked on her door pretending to be from the water authority.

He claimed there was a water leak and needed to come in to check her plumbing. Once inside, he asked her to empty the cupboard under the kitchen sink and to flush the toilet.

At one point, he disappeared and soon after announced there was no leak and left the premises.

A short time later, Mrs Quelch discovered £100 had been taken from a purse in her handbag which was beside the settee in the front room.

Investigating officer PC Dave Carpenter said the bogus official had called between 4pm and 4.30pm on October 28. Once inside, he distracted Mrs Quelch and then stole the money while her back was turned.

“She was really upset and felt guilty about letting him in. Although she was aware that strangers should not be allowed inside, he was very pushy and plausible sounding,” he said.

“The money was her pension for food and heating so I applied to West Mercia Constabulary’s Police Community Fund for a donation to help her out.

“I’m pleased to say the trustees considered it to be a deserving case and have given me £100 to replace the stolen money.

“We presented the money to Mrs Quelch at Wem police station and she was clearly delighted,” said PC Carpenter.

Mrs Quelch said: “I can’t thank the police enough. They have been goodness untold and couldn’t have been nicer.

“I know I shouldn’t have let the man in but he was so persuasive. I have learnt my lesson the hard way.

“My house is like Fort Knox now with bolts, locks and chains on the doors.”

She had drawn the money from the bank just a few days beforehand to pay some bills.

“I’m so grateful to PC Carpenter for what he has done. The money will be going back into the bank for when I need it,” added Mrs Quelch.

The Police Community charity fund – known as PC Fund – supports victims of crime and community projects with small contributions where they can make a real difference and where the money is urgently needed.

It’s made up of cash raised from the sale of unclaimed seized property, voluntary contributions from officers and staff and from donations given to the police.

A spokesperson for the trustees said: “Unfortunately, we can’t donate to every victim but officers and staff can apply in the most deserving of cases, such as when elderly or vulnerable people are the victims, and we do what we can. We’re very pleased to be able to assist in this case.”

PC Carpenter added: “If anyone has any information about this distraction burglary, or about the man responsible, please contact me at Wem police station on 0300 333 3000.”

West Mercia has an ongoing campaign called “Knock knock” reminding people they should not let strangers calling at their home inside under any circumstances without a prior appointment. Even if callers offer identity, do not let them in!