A DERBYSHIRE pensioner who fell victim to distraction burglars has spoken out about her ordeal.
The 85-year-old lost hundreds of pounds when a group of conmen and women walked in through her open door while she was watering led flexible strips the garden, then left with her handbag containing the cash.
A couple of days later, the distressed woman was approached by a doorstep salesman who tried to get her to spend thousands of pounds on an unnecessary alarm system.
"I[acute accent]ve had a chain fitted and I always lock my door now," she said. "I Gucci Tote Bags would hate this to happen to anybody else.
" Distraction burglars are known to prey on older people, with the average age of victims in the Midlands being 79.
Councillor Eric Swain, the council[acute accent]s cabinet member for public protection, said: "It is beyond belief that these people prey on the most vulnerable sections of society.
"By joining forces with the community safety partnerships and raising awareness of these issues we hope to help residents avoid falling victim in the future.
" The widow told of her experiences as Derbyshire County Council launches its campaign to warn people about the dangers of distraction burglary and educate them on personal safety.
embroidered patches Representatives from the council will be touring the county with their mobile advice and information unit, offering leaflets and security marking pens to passers by.
The advice unit will be at the following local locations: New Square in Chesterfield on November 18; and Walter Street in Bakewell on November 22.
By Hannah Litchfield
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