Vulnerable woman targeted by bogus burglars

An 87-year-old woman fell victim to bogus burglars in Rochdale.

At around 1.00pm on Tuesday 15 May 2012, answered a knock at the door of her Mount Street home in Heywood.

A man said he was there to look at water pipes in the kitchen.

She invited him in and while they were in the kitchen, it is believed another person searched the house and stole a large amount of money.

After 20 minutes, the man claiming to be from the ‘water board’ left.

The man is described as being white, in his late 40s, of slim build, around 5ft 6ins tall, had light hair and blue eyes. He wore a long sleeve beige shirt and a cotton waistcoat or cardigan. He spoke with a local accent.

Police Constable John Byrne from the Volume Crime Team said: "Genuine employees of gas, electric or water companies will always carry legitimate identification and will be happy for homeowners to check these credentials with their employer. If someone cold calls at your house, then please do not give them access to your home until you are 100 percent confident they are who they say they are.

“If anyone recognises the description of this man or may have fallen victim to him, please contact us as soon as you can. The information you supply may help us catch him and prevent him from targeting other vulnerable people.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8428 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.