Confidence trickster targeting vulnerable people in Middleton

A white male, approximately six foot in height, with a receding hairline, in his mid forties, is targeting vulnerable people at homes around Kirkway in Middleton.

He is claiming that he works for a company called ‘Sparkles International’ and offers to clean window frames at a cost of £80.

Ongoing enquires are being conducted and PCSOs are dropping leaflets in the area to warn residents.

A police spokesman said: "Some criminals won’t go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can just knock and be invited in. They either distract the resident whilst they steal items or trick the person into paying too much for a simple job.

"Academic research informs us that a victim of this sort of crime is most frequently: An elderly person, female, living alone or targeted after bereavement."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on the non emergency number 101, or Rochdale South Neighbourhood 0161 856 8701, email rochdalesouth@gmp.police.uk or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.