Precious jewellery stolen from pensioner by bogus burglar

Sarah Gomersell said a man knocked on the door of her mother Jean Callaghan, 68, at around 8.30pm last Wednesday, claiming he knew her. Mrs Callaghan, of Bolus Close, Outwood, let him inside, believing the man was one of her cousins.

But during his fifteen minute stay the bogus burglar asked her for money and stole three rings - her sapphire engagement ring, gold wedding band and a garnet ring belonging to her late mother.

Mrs Gomersell, 34, of Alverthorpe, coincidentally rang her mother shortly after the incident. She said: “When mum said her cousin had been round and was asking her for money it rang alarm bells. I told her to check to see if anything was missing from the house and she realised the rings had gone.”

Mrs Gomersell said her mum, who has Huntington’s disease, was “traumatised and shaken”.

Police said it was one of four burglary and fraud offences which took place in the area last week, including the theft of money from an 86-year-old man in Stanley. Detectives believe they are linked.

Detective Inspector Tim Hunt of Wakefield District CID, said: “The suspect(s) either pretended to be an NHS worker, a family friend, or window cleaner as a way of gaining access to homes. Once inside he has asked residents for money and in some cases stolen property also.”

He urged people to be vigilant following the burglaries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wakefield District CID on 101.