Burglar Alert: Four Homes Targeted via Unlocked Doors in Staffordshire
Staffordshire Police are sounding the alarm after four burglaries hit Coppenhall, Bradley, Codsall, and Kingsley Holt—all on Tuesday afternoon, May 18. Thieves slipped in through unlocked doors while residents were outside, snatching cash, jewellery, bank cards, and keys.
Bold Scammer Distracts Elderly Woman in Coppenhall
The first break-in happened around 12:30pm on Church Lane, Coppenhall. An elderly woman was working in her garden when a man in a hi-vis jacket approached her. Pretending to talk about roadworks and lorries, he distracted her. Meanwhile, an accomplice slipped inside her house through an unlocked door and made off with cash and jewellery.
The man is described as white, aged 30-40, about 5ft 9in, stocky build, wearing dark trousers, a black bobble hat, and a high-vis vest. Witnesses spotted a white or cream car nearby, carrying this man and two others in hi-vis.
Three More Burglaries in Hours – All Unlocked Doors
- 1pm, Bradley: On Shredicote Lane, a woman gardening left her door unlocked. Thieves raided her home, taking bank cards and keys after an untidy search.
- 1-3pm, Codsall: On Wood Road, an elderly woman out shopping left a door open. Burglars stole jewellery.
- 2pm, Kingsley Holt: On Churnet Valley Road, an elderly woman mowing her lawn left a door unlocked. A thief stole her handbag with cash and bank cards inside.
Police Warn: Don’t Let Thieves In – Keep Doors Locked!
“These crimes target mainly elderly females who leave doors unsecured or are distracted,” said Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, Staffordshire Police’s burglary lead. “Cash, cards, and jewellery have been taken in what are truly despicable crimes.”
Parsons urged residents to always lock their front and back doors, even when at home. “If someone claims to be from an organisation, ask for ID before letting them in. If you feel suspicious, don’t open the door.”
How to Protect Yourself from Doorstep Burglars
- Always keep all doors locked—front and back—even when you’re at home or working in the garden.
- If you’re answering the door, double-check back doors are locked—burglars often work in pairs.
- Use a door chain if you have one, and don’t remove it unless you’re sure a caller is genuine.
- Improve security on doors, windows, and fences to make break-ins harder.
- Store valuables out of sight or in a safe to thwart burglars.
Spot Something Suspicious? Speak Up!
If you were in the areas of these incidents around the times listed and saw anything suspicious, alert Staffordshire Police on 123 anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more tips on securing your home, visit Staffordshire Police Home Security Advice.
