Fake carol singer with kids steals cash and tech

Thieves have been posing as carol singers to steal from people's homes, police have warned.

Warwickshire Police issued the warning after receiving reports of two incidents in the county within the last few days.

A resident's AirPods and charger were stolen at about 16:20 GMT on Thursday after a woman with two children, carrying a red money tin, entered a home on Crane Close, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Cash was also stolen from a purse at a home on St Michaels Road, Warwick, after a woman and two girls knocked on the door at about 18:00 GMT on Friday.

Police believe the money was stolen when the resident went to get the two children snacks after they asked for food.

Police said the woman involved in the incidents was of a "mixed ethnic background" and around 5ft 2in tall, with the girls believed to be around eight to 10 years old.

Det Sgt Thomas Quinlan urged people to say no to cold-callers and to report any suspicious activity.

"Unfortunately even at Christmas time, it appears these individuals are preying on the goodwill of residents," he said.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.