Bogus officials target Rochdale pensioners

Conmen struck three times in less than an hour in Rochdale.

Sometime between 5.15pm and 5.40pm on Thursday 22 April 2010, an 83-year-old man answered a call at his home on Ivor Street, Castleton.

The offender told the pensioner he was from the water board and tried to get into the house. He was refused entry and left empty handed.

At about 5.35pm a 78-year-old woman confronted a man at the back of her house on Willows Lane, Milnrow, who told her the garden needed digging up as water pipes had burst. He then walked off.

The victim noticed some cash had been stolen from her kitchen.

At 5.50pm three men called at a house on Spruce Street, Kingsway, and said they needed to turn the victim's water off.

They forced their way pass the woman, aged 78.

A sword was stolen.

In each incident two or three men are believed to be involved and it is thought they have use of a car. Detectives have been given varying descriptions but believe they are searching for a white man, in his late teens and another man, described as white and in his late 30s or early 40s.

Detective Constable Charlotte Humphreys, of Rochdale CID, said: "These men have tried, and in some cases succeeded, in tricking their way into the homes of elderly pensioners. They quite simply do not have the right to walk the streets.

"If anyone has information that can help us identify them please get in touch.

"I'd also like to urge residents to remain vigilant and not let strangers into your home under any circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4643, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.