Police plea over medals theft

Detectives have made a renewed appeal for information about an incident last week where bogus officials stole war medals from a house in Cranbrook Street, Oldham.

The incident happened around 1pm on Tuesday when the two men, who said they were from Oldham Council, called at the home of invalid pensioner Margaret Hart while her husband, Kenneth, was out, saying they were there to clear out gutters.

But one man went upstairs to use the bathroom and stole three war medals belonging to Mr Hart. They also took £80 off Mrs Hart for the bogus work.

DC Natalie Brennan of Oldham CID said the medals were distinctive with Mr Hart’s name on them.

She wants to know if anyone has been offered the medals for sale or has been approached about gutter clearing.

The bogus officials may have left the scene in a white van, say police. Anyone with any information is asked to phone Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.