Police warn of new water trick – Expressen

In the space of a few hours, three elderly ladies in the Malmö area been victims of jewelry thefts in their homes.

In all cases, police suspect the thieves entered the home by pretending to be water inspectors.

– It’s terrible, says Lars Performed Tell, information officer at the police control center south region.

False firefighters and scam artisans are known traction among the country’s older robbers.

During Thursday, the police in Malmö area additionally received a number of complaints about äldrerån where the fraudster claimed to be water inspector, reports SVT Sweden.

The first two thefts occurred in Arlöv during early Thursday afternoon. A man should have called on the home of the 93-year-old woman, and said that he was sent to check the water.

Shortly thereafter, a 88-year-old lady nearby also have received a visit from a “water inspector” .

A few hours later, even a 98 year old woman in Malmo visit from a man who stated that he would check her water.

When the “Controller” then disappeared detects the women they have been robbed and to call the police.

– In all cases, it has been about jewelry, says Lars Performed Tell.

Unclear connection

According to Lars Performed Tell the approach at this type of robbery is often similar and that the thieves choose their victims carefully.

– usually attracts this water controller into the apartment owner in the bathroom and says that the owner shall monitor anything. Meanwhile, the thief around the apartment and scans the residence of valuables.

And the thieves decide to embark on precisely the elderly is no coincidence, says Lars Performed Tell.

– The approach suggests after that it is looking to exploit the weakness older people may have through limited mobility, vision, hearing, or whatever it may be and even their credulity. Older think good about others, and many want to please.

Police is currently unable to say with certainty that it is the same person who carried out the three thefts on Thursday.

– But is understood not impossible. Sorry, we have no crystal clear signalement says Lars Performed Tell.

Police: Do not let them

Lars Performed Tell call is to never let strangers – even if they claim to be sent by the owner.

– You should assume that the owner get in touch in advance if there will be any control of one sort or another.

What should say if someone calls and claims to be an inspector?

– Then you simply ask them to come back another day and be sure to Contact the property owner, says Lars Performed Tell.