Elderly targeted with distractions

Rochdale Police Station

The elderly are being targeted with distractions, local police say.

Reports suggest that the offenders are using a fabricated story to try and gain access to their homes, with a recent spate of such offences in the Kingsway and Kirkholt areas.

A number of these incidents took place during the afternoon of Sunday 29 April within the space of a couple of hours.

Local neighbourhood officers and PCSOs responded quickly to each offence and are following up on several lines of enquiry.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “There has been numerous speculations on social media profiles as to who may be responsible for these offences. We are grateful to the local residents trying to help, alerting others of what is going, however, we are politely requesting that names and photos are not shared, as this can affect identity procedures which may need to take place for any successful prosecution. We encourage all residents to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals.”

Anyone who has information about these offences, please contact the police as soon as possible by ringing 101, going to your local police station, or calling CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime prevention advice

•  Look out for elderly neighbours and residents
• Keep doors locked and secure
• Don't answer the door to anyone who you don't recognise
• Always as people to show identification
• Use door latch when opening your door
• If in doubt, contact the police straight away