Elderly man and woman robbed

GMP

An elderly man and woman had their gold chains stolen in Middleton and Heywood.

A 71-year-old man was near to Aldi on Wood Street at about 11.00am on Friday 19 August 2011, when two women, who were possibly Romanian, approached him.

They asked for directions to the hospital before placing a cheap chain around his neck. While they were doing this they removed a gold one that he was wearing.

The women also tried to put cheap rings on his fingers in an attempt to take a ring his ring.

One woman was described s being in her early 20s, of slim build, with straight dark hair and wearing a bright patterned dress to her knees and hooped earrings.

The other is described as white but with a tanned complexion, in her late 20s, of slim build.

Later that day, at about 2.15pm, a 79-year-old woman had her necklace stolen after a woman placed a chain around her neck. This happened outside Morrisons in Heywood.

The woman is described as being Romanian, between 25 and 30 years old with short dark hair.

It is thought the women could be using a white people carrier with a foreign registration plate to drive around the area.

Police Constable Sarah Langley, of the Middleton Neighbourhood Investigation Unit, said: “It appears the group are targeting vulnerable and elderly members of our community.

"They distract their victims and work quickly to steal their jewellery. When the victim realises what has happened it is too late.

"I want local residents to be mindful of these incidents and if you know anything about those responsible please call police."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8787 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111