POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after a gang of distraction burglars struck in Sedgley and Dudley.
There have been two cases of homes being targeted by three men in a black VW Golf GTI.
One incident happened in Coleridge Rise, Sedgley, with another in Pool Street, Dudley.
The incident in Pool Street (pictured below) happened at 3pm on Friday (October 16).
Three white men, at least one of whom had an Irish accent, knocked on the victim's door saying they worked for the water board.
A warning put out by Mo Khan, of Dudley Police states: "While the residents were distracted in the kitchen by one of the males, the other two went into other rooms to search for valuables/items worth stealing.
"The resident only came to realise what had really happened as the three males left."
In another incident the next day on Saturday (October 17) at 9pm three men got into a house on Coleridge Rise, Sedgley, through an open skylight using ladders.
When disturbed by the shocked homeowner they claimed to be from a "drugs search team."
The warning states: "After hearing noises the victim found three males searching the upstairs.
"The three male intruders claimed to be part of a “drugs search team” and ordered the victim to return downstairs.
"The victim called police and the intruders fled."
A black VW Golf GTI was used in both incidents.
Police are advising people to keep their front and back doors locked, even when at home and put a chain on when opening the door and to read this crime prevention advice.
The warning states: "Distraction burglary is where criminals call at your house posing as officials or asking for your help with something.
"They make up a story to get in to your home. They generally target older people, and have just one intention - to steal.
"It's a particularly horrible crime, and can be even more upsetting and distressing for victims who’re targeted in the run up to Christmas.
"We've had several reports of this happening in the Dudley area already, so we’re urging people to read our crime prevention advice.
"Remember it’s not rude to refuse letting a stranger into your home. If you feel threatened by a caller, always ring 999 or for non-emergencies please call 101 or WMP online live chat."
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