CCTV video: Pair sought after burglary at home of elderly Northfield couple

West Midlands Police are seeking to identify two men who burgled the home of a couple in their 80s in Northfield yesterday.

The pair broke into the house in Frankley Beeches Road through the front door at around 4pm while the man was out. His wife, who suffers from dementia was at home alone at the time.

The pair went upstairs and stole money and jewellery. After, going through rooms downstairs, the pair entered the room where the woman was and told her that she had been burgled and that they were friends of her husband.

As they were leaving the house, the homeowner returned and the pair approached him to tell him that he had been burgled. They then left the scene.

The couple’s family have released CCTV video footage (see below) of the offenders talking to the homeowner in the hope that someone will recognise the pair and come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report to them online.

Please warn vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours to be vigilant and keep an eye on them.

Advice

• Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know if you don’t feel safe – use a spy hole if you have one, or check through a front window. Never feel embarrassed to refuse to answer the door or let strangers in.
• Use a door chain if you do open the door.
• Don’t feel embarrassed to call the police to report any concerns or suspicious behaviour.
• If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you check. If in doubt, telephone the organisation to verify they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.
• If you’re still unsure of a caller, ask them to come back at a pre-arranged time, then have someone with you. If they’re genuine, they won’t mind.
• Beware of being distracted by one person while another steals your property – make sure other doors into your home (side, back) are locked while you are at the front door.
• If in doubt, keep them out. Phone the police on 101 if you are worried and in an emergency dial 999.
• Please share this advice with elderly or vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and check on them regularly.