Conmen steal £800 from Rochdale pensioner

Conmen stole £800 from a pensioner after claiming he needed work on his roof tiles.

Two men knocked on the door of the 83-year-old man's home on Heights Close, Shawclough, Rochdale, claiming to be from a roofing company called 'Aqua Shield,’ sometime between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Wednesday 16 November.

They said he needed work on his roof tiles and persuaded him to pay £800 up front, after which they would return the following day. They drove the pensioner to a Natwest bank on Packer Street where he withdrew the money.

He has not seen them since.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward and are urging residents to be vigilant.

The first man was described as being white, about 5ft 10in tall, about 21-22-years-old and with middling to light-coloured hair. He was also wearing a jacket.

The second man was white, about 5ft 5in tall, about 27 or 28-years-old and wearing dirty white overalls covered in paint.

The van they were driving was said to be a white Transit van with roofing ladders on top and 'AQUA' in large red letters on the side panel.

Anyone who is approached by men purporting to be from this company is advised to call police immediately.

Police Constable Christopher Hickey, from the Volume Crime Unit at Middleton, said: "The culprits are cowards, pure and simple.

"They have cheated an old, vulnerable man out of his pension money by coming up with a totally bogus story. It must be said they have gone to some lengths to give themselves the air of authenticity and they were very convincing, but theft is theft and these men need to be stopped.

"I would urge members of our communities and across the North West area to be on their guard and if you see these men or they come knocking on your door, please call us immediately.

"I would also ask residents to keep a close eye if you have elderly neighbours. If you think someone is trying to con them into 'work' on their home, please make sure they do not give any money upfront to these conmen. Always get a signed contract detailing what work will be done and when and do not give them any cash until work is completed.

"Everyone we have spoken to about this incident has been rightly appalled and touched at the plight of this man. I want to assure people that with your help, we will pursue every possible lead to ensure we expose these thieves and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.