Bogus callers target pensioners - Rochdale

Bogus callers targeted two pensioners within an hour in Rochdale.

The first incident took place between 2pm and 2.25pm on Monday 17 May 2010.

A 93-year-old man was in his house on Hillcrest Crescent, Heywood, when a man knocked on his window.

The elderly man opened his door and the man claimed he needed to check his water and he let him in.

While the offender distracted the householder, a second man went inside the house and stole cash from his wallet.

The two men then left.

The first offender is described as having dark skin, dark short hair with a round face, age 25, 5ft 5ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a light long sleeved shirt with a pattern on it and dark trousers. He spoke quickly with a foreign accent.

His accomplice is described as being white, age 25, with dark hair, 5ft 7ins tall and of stocky build. He had a local accent.

Shortly after 3pm the same day, a man knocked on the door of a 78-year-old man on Isabella Street, Rochdale, claiming he needed to check the water pressure.

The pensioner was suspicious and the offender asked him to come outside, which he did, locking his door behind him.

The victim then told the offender to go and, when his accomplice appeared, they both left.
The first would-be burglar is described as being 5ft 2ins tall, with a sallow complexion, possibly in his early 30s and was wearing a white and blue striped shirt. He spoke quickly, with possibly an Irish accent.

The other is described only as being between 5ft 3ins and 5ft 9ins tall and was wearing a light shirt.

Detectives investigating believe the two incidents are possibly linked.

Detective Constable Andy Robinson, of Rochdale CID, said: “People who prey on pensioners like this are devious but can be quite plausible, so I would warn elderly people especially not to let anyone into their home unless it has been pre-arranged.

"We are doing all we can to catch these people, but we need your help. This sort of crime is mean and I would appeal to anyone who can identify the people responsible for these two incidents to contact us.

"We all have a shared responsibility to protect elderly and vulnerable people, so it is important people remain vigilant and look out for others.

"A genuine caller will always attend by appointment and carry identification.

“If you ever have any doubts as to whether a caller is genuine, or you don't feel comfortable with the situation, my advice is clear - just don't let them in."

Anyone with information should to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 4557 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Some important safety tips: 

• When a stranger knocks on your door, keep it latched at all times. If you do not have a latch ask them to push their identity card through the letterbox
• Do not let anyone into your house without verifying their identity. Check the name of the company in the phone book, and call the company before letting them in to make sure they are genuine
• If you have any concerns at all do not let the person in
• Ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour is there. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again
• Finally, look out for your neighbours, and report any suspicious activity to police