Young couple robbing the elderly

OLD people have been warned to beware of a young couple who have been tricking their way into homes in Saddleworth and Lees.

On Monday, the man and woman, aged in their 20s, were let into a house in Turner Street, Lees, by an 80-year-old who was expecting workmen.

The man went upstairs to use the toilet and then left with the woman saying they going to a local shop for biscuits.

When they did not return, the occupant realised £120 in cash and her purse containing £100 was missing.

And in Delph, two offenders entered the home of an 84-year-old woman purporting to be the grandchildren of a man who lived up the road.

The man went upstairs on the pretence of going to the toilet and stole a purse containing £70 and a bus pass.

He is believed to be white, dressed in navy blue, and his female accomplice possibly wore a green anorak.

Insp Danny Milovanovic, head of the Saddleworth and Lees area for GMP said: “People with elderly parents should make them aware immediately of these incidents.

“No one should let people they do not know into their homes. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to this kind of intrusion and they — helped by relatives — should take great care.

“If anyone has any fears about visitors they do not know they should contact us immediately,” he added.

“The two incidents could have been carried out by the same couple — but I cannot confirm this. I would just ask that everyone remains on guard.”