Bogus officials preyed on an 84-year-old woman in Rochdale

Shortly after 12.50pm on Tuesday 23 September 2008, police received a report that a bogus official had tried to con a woman out of money.

A man approached the woman's home around 12.00pm on Halifax Road, Smallbridge, claiming there had been a drain leak.

He asked for her name and phone number, saying an engineer would need to call and arrange an appointment.

She received a phone call 20 minutes later and was told she would need to provide a deposit to ensure her drains would be checked.

The woman realised this was not an official call and put the phone down before calling police.

The man who came to her house is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, of an average build and about 5ft 9ins tall. He was dressed smartly and was carrying a clipboard but offered no form of identification.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick of Rochdale CID said: "This men tried to prey on a woman they believed to be vulnerable but she realised they were not legitimate and handled the situation extremely well.

"These men clearly think it is acceptable to try and con people out of money and they need to be caught and held accountable for their contemptible behaviour.

"I want to commend this woman's quick thinking and her swift action in contacting the police.

"If anyone has any information about the men responsible please get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.