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Search forThree arrests after pensioner was robbed in his home
Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 07:30
The Telegraph reported last week that Joseph Pyrek was targeted by the girls, aged between 15 and 17.
One of them pretended to be his granddaughter to gain access into his City Road home in Chester Green and, once inside, they stole his wallet.
The Second World War hero had been the fourth pensioner to have been targeted in just over a week in Derbyshire.
Last night, police said they had arrested a 15-year-old girl, from Allenton, and a 17-year-old girl and 14-year-old girl, both from Chaddesden, in connection with the incident involving Mr Pyrek. They have now been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Inspector Paul Callum, of Derbyshire police's volume crime unit, said information provided by Evening Telegraph readers had led to the arrests.
He said: "Following the coverage in the paper, we had a series of calls from members of the public who provided us with information that led to these arrests. The appeal was responded to fantastically well and I would like to thank all who got in touch for their help."
Det Insp Callum said his officers were still trying to trace one teenager, who may have information concerning an incident, which happened on Tuesday, November 18, at about 8.30pm.
Mr Pyrek had his wallet and some cash stolen during the robbery. One reader, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted the Evening Telegraph to make a donation to him.
And a Derby-based charity, which supports victims of crime in the city, has also made a £150 donation.
A spokeswoman for the charity said: "We have funds available for victims of crime and we felt Mr Pyrek was someone who should benefit from that.
"I was disgusted when I heard about what he had been through. I think trying to confuse and trick someone of that age, someone who is also vulnerable, is terrible."
Letitia Bennett, Mr Pyrek's daughter, said she was overwhelmed at the support offered by people in Derby.
Mrs Bennett, 36, of Stenson Fields, said: "It is very heartening that people want to make donations and we are very grateful."
Det Insp Callum said people should put chains across their doors, check the identity of callers and be cautious about who they let in to their properties. Anyone with information should contact police on 0345 123 33 33.
TARGET: Joseph Pyrek, 89, at his home in Chaddesden, where a group of teenage girls allegedly talked their way in and stole his wallet
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