Man who stole money from elderly resident charged with seven counts of burglary in Clitheroe

A man has been charged with seven counts of burglary after he deceived and stole from the elderly in their home.
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Police received a report of a distraction burglary that had occurred on Reeford Grove on April 16.

A man had gained entry into the address by deception before stealing a large sum of money from an elderly and vulnerable resident.

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Local officers gained "valuable" CCTV footage and the incident was then taken on by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Michael Alcorn, 55,was charged with sevencounts of burglary and theft. (Credit: Lancashire Police)Michael Alcorn, 55,was charged with sevencounts of burglary and theft. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Michael Alcorn, 55,was charged with sevencounts of burglary and theft. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

Michael Alcorn, 55, was charged with seven counts of burglary and theft on April 29 and was remanded in custody to await sentencing.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Initial response by local officers gained valuable CCTV footage and the incident was then taken on by CID.

"Following further investigation it was believed that there were a further seven victims of distraction burglaries from across East Lancashire.

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"On April 29, 2020, Michael Alcorn, 55, was charged with seven counts of burglary and theft and was remanded into custody to await sentencing."

What is a distraction burglary?

Distraction burglary is when a person tries to gain access to your home by trying to trick you into believing they need help or are officials in the area, according to Citizens Advice.

They will often operate in pairs so one can attempt to distract the owner while the other takes the opportunity to steal things in the home.

The advice is not to let anyone into your home unless you are expecting them or know them.

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Even if you are expecting callers from a utility company or local authority, set a password when you make the arrangements that the caller has to give on arrival.

Use a door chain if possible while you establish the caller is genuine

To read more about distraction burglary and how to recognise it, click HERE.