Posted on 22nd November 2011
A tin similar to the one stolen during the burglary
The family of an elderly man who died following a distraction burglary at his home in Chesterfield have said they are devastated by what has happened.
At around 6.30pm on Tuesday, November 15 a man purporting to be dealing with blocked drains went to a house on Carsington Close.
He was allowed in by the elderly couple and he kept them occupied in the kitchen before leaving. The offender is described as tall and thin, with a round face, wearing a dark anorak and dark trousers.
The couple then noticed a biscuit tin containing cash had been stolen from a bedroom.
Later that evening 80-year-old Selwyn Shelbourne was taken ill and died in hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A post-mortem carried out last week proved inconclusive.
Mr Shelbourne’s family have said they are devastated.
Police are renewing their appeal for information about this burglary and a similar incident that took place on Sycamore Avenue, Chesterfield at around the same time.
Detective Inspector Andy Jones, who is leading the inquiry, said: “This is an all too familiar example of criminals targeting vulnerable people within our community. This type of offence causes fear and upset especially when the end result is the death of a much loved husband and father.
“I appeal to anyone who saw two males acting suspiciously around either Carsington Close or Sycamore Avenue on Tuesday 15th November between 5pm and 6pm, or anyone who has any information as to who was involved, to get in touch with the police."
Officers are also looking for the biscuit tin (similar to the one pictured) that was stolen during the burglary and may have been discarded nearby.
Anyone with information is asked to call Derbyshire police on the new non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Notes to editor
The family do not wish to speak to the media or release a photograph.