Police appeal over conman

Date published: 26/02/2010

POLICE have launched a fresh appeal for help in tracing a callous conman who stole a pensioner’s purse.

The offender took advantage of the 87-year-old woman’s kind nature when she gave him shelter from the cold in Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, at 3pm on Monday.

He claimed he was waiting for a friend and convinced her to let him inside so he could get warm.

The woman offered him a cup of tea but while she was in the kitchen the man stole cash from the woman’s purse in the living room and fled.

The man was white, between 48 and 50 years old, of medium build and was 5ft 5in tall. He had short hair and was wearing dark, casual clothing.

Insp Dave Wilcocks said: “This callous criminal needs to be caught. I’d appeal to anybody who can identify the man responsible to contact us.

I would also warn people not to let anyone they do not know into their home unless it has been pre-arranged.

“The best defence is to have a viewer or spy hole and a strong door chain fitted and if you have any concerns about a caller, contact a neighbour, friend, a member of the family and then the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161-856 8821 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.