Raid victim, 87, froze in fright

A terrified pensioner watched helplessly as a thug ransacked her rooms in a retirement complex in Chadderton.

The 87-year-old woman was woken in her bed at 2am by the burglar after he scaled a 6ft high security fence at Weavers Lodge and entered through her open bedroom window.

The victim froze in fear as the burglar rifled through her wardrobe and living room before making off with jewellery and two handbags.

He then told the woman, “It’s okay love, I’ve got what I came for”, before leaving through her front door.

The woman then contacted the scheme’s 24-hour helpline, which connected to the police, and officers were on the scene within 10 minutes.

PC Stephen Pickering, from the Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This thief has made a concerted effort to break into the building and take advantage of, and steal from, people he knew to be vulnerable.

“I am struggling to find the words to describe this pathetic little thief and I am certain anyone who knows him will be as appalled as I am at what he has done.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about who might be responsible to call me.”

Weavers Lodge is a retirement housing scheme run by the Anchor Trust, which promotes independent living for older people.

Maureen Twist, a retirement housing area manager for Anchor, said: “Our building is secure and tenants have been fully briefed on the security and emergency procedures. All flats are connected to our 24-hour support centre who immediately contacted the police in this instance.

“We take the personal safety of our tenants very seriously. We will continue to work closely with local police and provide ongoing guidance to our tenants.”

The thief is described as white, 5ft 4in tall, of thin build, in his late 20s with short dark hair.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161-856 8825, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.