-
Monday, 27 December 2010 16:38
Police are appealing for information after an 84-year old woman had her life savings stolen.
Shortly after 1.40pm on Thursday 17 December 2010 a man knocked on the door of a house at Wendover Road, Brooklands, Manchester
An 84-year old woman answered the door and he told her that was working on a water main on the road and needed to check the water supply in her home.
He distracted her while a second offender came into the house and went upstairs and stole several items which included savings left for her funeral, coins, jewellery and three rings.
The first man left after saying that his boss would return to turn off the water. The second offender wasn't seen by the victim.
The man was described as either a dark skinned white man or fair skinned, Asian man in his late 20s to early thirties. He had a round face and was 5ft 7inches tall. He was wearing a long black overcoat with dark trousers and shoes. He was clean shaven.
Detective Constable Dominic Heslop, of South Manchester Division, said: This pair carried out a despicable attack on a vulnerable elderly woman and I hope anyone reading this shares in my disgust.
I now want to hear from anyone who saw these men acting suspiciously around that time or from anyone else who may have been targeted by these chancers.
Anyone with information is asked to call South Manchester Division CID team on 0161 856 6154 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of bogus callers:
- Remember to keep all external doors locked at all times, whether you are at home or not
- Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller
- If you have a door bar or chain put it on before opening the door and don?t open the door until you are happy with the caller?s identity
- If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller
- If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when either a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.
