Three men were involved in the incident at the address in Wood Road, Hadnall, near Shrewsbury shortly before midday on Friday.
It’s believed one of them kept the woman talking while the other two forced a window to gain entry and make an untidy search of two bedrooms.
Police say it’s not yet known if anything was stolen and have appealed for witnesses. They have also urged others, especially the elderly, to be on their guard against distraction burglars calling with made-up stories.
Detective Constable Dave Bettison, one of the investigating officers, said: “On this occasion, they claimed to have lost their dog. The woman did exactly the right thing by refusing to open the door or the window to them.
“However, it seems one man kept talking to her through the closed window about a lost dog, distracting her, while the others broke in.
“It happened at around 11.30am and they were there for about half an hour before leaving in a dirty yellow van with wire mesh sides heading towards Albrighton. I am appealing to anyone who might have seen them or the vehicle to contact Shrewsbury police station on 101.
“I am also reminding people to be on their guard against distraction burglars who seek to gain entry to people’s homes using different ruses. They usually target older residents, claiming to be from utility companies such as the water board and the council or saying they have lost something.
“The golden rule is never to let strangers knocking on your door inside your home under any circumstances. Tell them to go away and if they persist say you are calling the police. If you are at all worried or suspicious call the police straight away.”
Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.
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