Elderly woman duped into allowing distraction burglar into home

Always ask for identification and be wary that someone may not be who they seem to be

Valuables were stolen from the bedroom of an elderly woman at her house on Dale Street, Milnrow at around 5.45pm on Friday 22 January.

A man knocked on the door and told the occupant he was fixing a water main nearby.

He entered the house and asked the victim to turn off her water supply, before disconnecting an outside pipe.

He then told the victim that he was going to get some tools, but never returned, and several hours later the victim discovered that someone had searched her bedroom and stolen valuables.

The offender is described as white, around 25 years old, around 5ft 5in tall with a slender build and dark eyes. He was wearing a grey fleece hat with sheepskin ear flaps, dark jeans and a black puffer jacket.

Detective Constable Chris MacDonald said: “If you answer the door and someone wishes to enter your home, always ask for identification and be wary that they may not be who they seem to be.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.