Conman preys on old people

POLICE are hunting a bogus official who has repeatedly preyed on elderly residents across Greater Manchester.

Detectives investigating the man — who claims to be from the water board — have released CCTV footage in an attempt to trace him.

He is suspected of more than 50 copycat crimes and his latest victim, 85-year-old Muriel Cox, of Sale, has also spoken about what happened to her to help the appeal.

Officers have received numerous reports of elderly people having cash stolen from their homes by a man of a similar description since March.

The average age of the thief’s victims is 82. One victim was 96, and all were extremely vulnerable.

Each time he strikes he uses a similar method to trick and steal from his victims.

He arrives at the victim’s house and, without producing any ID, claims he is from the water board and gets inside.

He then distracts the occupant, asking them to hold the ballcock in the toilet cistern or giving them a similar meaningless task to keep them occupied.

The trickster then searches the house and steals possessions, usually money, before making off.

Detectives have been collecting evidence against the man and collating details from all the different reports from across the region.

Several positive lines of inquiry are being followed, and a number of items have been recovered and sent for forensic analysis.

Det Insp Derek Weaver, who is leading the hunt, said: “It is a sad and depressing fact that some pathetic individuals prey on those members of our society who are the most vulnerable and least able to protect themselves.

“I would ask everyone to consider their own parents, their grandparents or elderly relatives and friends and ask if they would like this to happen to them. It is imperative we trace the man in the CCTV footage and if anyone has any information regarding these offences then contact the police in Tameside on 0161-856 9255 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”