A HEREFORDSHIRE man has been arrested in connection with a distraction burglary that saw a man pose as an ‘antique dealer’ to gain entry to people’s homes.

A man in his 70s called at a house in Edgioake Lane in Redditch on Tuesday September 25 between 11.30am and 12.30am, asking if the owners had any antiques or other items to sell.

The man bought a number of unwanted items from the homeowners, but it was only after he had left and did not return after promising he would to buy some remaining items that they noticed a Rolex Tudor watch worth thousands of pounds had been stolen.

A man from Munderfield, near Bromyard, was arrested on Wednesday 26 September on suspicion of burglary and released on Police bail while inquiries continue.

The caller was described as being white, between 65 and 80 years old, 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build with short, light hair and was driving a white car-derived van.

Police believe the man has also been posting yellow leaflets through letterboxes advertising for antiques and old property that may be available to buy and are concerned he may have been operating in the Redditch area and elsewhere in Worcestershire, especially Malvern, and Bromyard in Herefordshire.

If you have had the man call at your home call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference number 167N 25/09/12.