ELDERLY residents in Dudley borough are being warned by police to be aware of jewellery thieves after a spate of incidents.

A number of elderly people have had jewellery stolen by scammers in the borough recently, and one of the victims' grandchildren has told the News her nan is now afraid to walk to the shops.

On February 10, a lone elderly woman, aged 90, was approached on Avondale Close, in Kingswinford, by two women and a man in a car asking for directions.

Two women got out of the car to thank her for providing directions and placed fake gold chains around her neck, simultaneously stealing her own jewellery.

There have been identical instances reported to the police, one on February 1 in Malt Mill Lane, Halesowen, involving a 72 year old and another on Prospect Road, Lower Gornal, on February 10, on an elderly woman of 79.

The 79-year-old’s granddaughter, Georgia Witton, said the incident has had a detrimental effect on her nan’s confidence.

She said: “My nan was walking from her home on Brookbank Road, in Lower Gornal, to Gornal Village when she was approached by the women just across the road from Summit Garage.

“The women asked her for directions to the local hospital and distracted her while they took her gold necklace and bracelet, which were estimated to be worth over £500 and were of great sentimental value.

“My nan is devastated to have lost a gift my parents bought her for her 60th birthday.

“Moreover, she is widowed and I think the experience has battered her confidence and may ultimately affect her independence if she feels unable to walk a short distance to the shops.”

The suspects have been described as Eastern European and aged in their mid-40’s. The man has a black beard and is always the driver.

West Midlands Police officers are appealing to anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to pass the message on to make sure they are aware that people are operating in this way in the borough.

Anyone with information is urged to call PC Elinore Haden at Brierley Hill police station on 101 or email contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.