Burglar foiled by pensioner

A bogus official was foiled when his intended 92-year-old victim asked him for identification.

A man knocked on the window of the pensioner's Sheriff Street home at around 12.30pm and tried to gain access to her house but when she challenged him to provide identification the offender ran scared.

She had unlocked her door to speak to the man, who told her he was working on the rear of the house and needed her to turn on her taps.

The offender then walked down the pathway between the victim's house and her neighbours. The victim then went to her kitchen where she saw the man, who asked her to open the back door.

At that point she asked to see his identification and he said he would go and get it. He then left and didn't return.

The offender is described as white, 17 or 18-years-old, about 5ft 5in tall with a slim build, short dark hair, clean shaven and with a local accent. He was smartly dressed, wearing a plain dark jumper.

Detective Constable Janie Cruttwell, of Rochdale CID, said: "Thankfully this lady had the common sense to ask the offender for his ID.

"This goes to show that you should always ask for identification. A genuine worker will only be too happy to show their ID."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.