Police reunite Blyth pensioner with wedding ring and jewellery bought for £40 by doorstep caller

The lady was at home in the Blyth area last Thursday when she received a knock on the door and was greeted by a man offering to purchase gold.

She allowed him in and he proceeded to search her home before offering to buy several pieces, including her wedding ring and a sentimental gold locket for £40.

After he left, the dismayed pensioner, who is in her 80s, rang her daughter who in turn contacted officers.

An investigation was swiftly launched and the victim’s items of jewellery were recovered while enquiries are on-going.

Sergeant Bobby Beers has praised the officers for their quick work and has issued an appeal to the friends, family and neighbours of potentially vulnerable people to be vigilant to this type of criminality.

He said: “In this case, an elderly woman felt pressured into selling items of both high financial and sentimental value for a small price.

“Afterwards, concerned by the transaction and clearly upset, she told her daughter who was quick to alert officers.

“Thanks to that quick contact our officers were able to trace the suspect and recover the items.

“I would ask that the public please make themselves aware of this type of believed scam, and talk to your loved ones – particularly those who are elderly or who may live alone.

“Sadly it is the most vulnerable in our communities and that are frequent targets of door-to-door sales people trying to secure a quick win. They can be very persistent and persuasive.

“If someone turns up at your door unannounced, do not hand over any money, say you are not interested and lock the door. We would ask anyone who believes they have been targeted in this way to always report it to police as soon as possible.”

Detective Constable Stacey Ardley, leading the investigation, said: “These type of offences are particularly concerning when the victim’s age is considered and we will always endeavour to investigate, particularly where there are elements of vulnerability identified.

“We were delighted to recover the victim’s jewellery in this case considering the sentimental value to her and this early recovery will assist us as enquiries continue.”

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