Police have appealed for anyone who might have witnessed three men in the area of New Park Road between about 1pm and 4.30pm yesterday to contact them as a matter of urgency.

The victim, who is in his 90s, was duped by the offenders when one of them knocked on his door and claimed there was a “problem with the water” at a nearby property and that he needed to check if his was working.

After being allowed inside, the man distracted the victim by asking him to empty the cupboard under the sink. A few moments later, two other men came in and said they were finished and the three left.

The victim went upstairs some time later to find his bedroom had been ransacked and cash stolen.

It is the second time the man has become the victim of distraction burglars, after he was targeted in the same way four years ago.

Detective Constable Mark Bird, of Shrewsbury CID, said shortly after police arrived at the address, the victim began suffering from chest pains and an ambulance was called.

He was taken to hospital and was admitted after suffering a suspected heart attack. His condition is described as stable this morning.

“This was a despicable incident which left the victim extremely distressed and he was taken ill within a short time of police arriving on the scene,” he said.

“If anyone witnessed these three men in the area during that afternoon or saw any unknown or suspicious vehicle, please contact police immediately on 0300 333 3000.”

A white panel van, similar to a Ford Transit, was seen in the New Park Road area during yesterday afternoon and house to house enquiries revealed a man was seen knocking on other doors in the area between about 1pm and 2pm.

Detectives are also investigating whether the incident is linked to another attempted distraction burglary in Moneybrook Way at about 3.20pm the same day.

A man knocked on the door of a woman’s house and claimed he needed to check the water. When she asked for ID and said she was calling Severn Trent Water to check, he became rude and walked away down the street.

Distraction burglaries remain rare in Shropshire but when they happen, they tend to happen in spates.

DC Bird urged people never to allow an unexpected or unknown caller inside their home, whatever they might claim.

“Distraction burglars and other bogus callers are very credible and will tell you any number of stories to be allowed into your home,” he added.

“No matter what they claim, whether it be that there is a problem with the water, there has been an explosion or that they need to get into your garden to retrieve something, never let them inside, even if they have identification.

“Speak to them through a window or, if you have no other option, always use a door chain. Any genuine caller will be happy for you to verify their identity before you allow them inside but ensure you get a contact number for the company from a separate source, such as the phone book.

“They will also be happy to return at another time when you can arrange to have a friend or family member with you.”

West Mercia Police operates a campaign called ‘Knock Knock’, which offers advice on dealing with unexpected and bogus callers to your home. For more information, visit the Advice Centre on our website at www.westmercia.police.uk or call 0300 333 3000.