Express & Star

Warning over teenagers demanding cash at the doorstep

Gangs of teenagers are knocking doors and demanding homeowners hand over cash on a Wolverhampton estate, it has been claimed, amid a police warning.

Published
Ullswater Road. Photo: Google

Councillor Phil Bateman expressed his concerns over a recent spate of incidents that took place on the Coppice Farm estate, which lies between Wednesfield and New Invention.

The latest known attempt to gain money took place late last week, and saw a group of three teenage boys target Ullswater Road, knocking the door of a young couple’s home and asking for ‘bus fare’.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I had already heard about this sort of thing happening around here a few weeks ago before it happened to me.

“I was at home with my husband when I had a teenage lad knock my door saying that he was lost, felt unwell and needed to get back to Wolverhampton.

“Two other young lads were stood at the top of the drive. The boy at the door asked for bus fare to get home. My husband said he would contact his parents or somebody else for him, but he claimed neither he nor the other two lads knew any telephone numbers.

“Once they realised money would not be forthcoming they left. But then I watched them going to other houses and trying the same thing there,” she added.

She described the youngsters as white and aged around 13-14. The one who came to the door was of a slight build with short dark hair, wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a black top with white stripes on the sleeves.

One of the boys at the top of the drive was bigger built with mousy-coloured hair, wearing an olive-coloured top. The third was slightly built with dark hair.

Councillor Bateman said: “These reports are very concerning and I would urge everyone living in the area to be on their guard. Sadly, this type of thing – along with distraction burglaries – is not uncommon.

“Anyone who is a victim of these people needs to phone the police and tell them straight away. Again, if you see it happening in the street where you live, or you are suspicious of someone’s activity, then phone the police. There are all sorts of scams taking place almost every day.

“The people that are most at risk are the elderly and the vulnerable – but not exclusively. Wednesfield residents should always be on their guard and the police should always be informed of any concerns.”

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Police said they were aware of youngsters trying to con people out of money in this manner and warned people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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