Conmen target elderly

BOGUS housing association officials conned their way into an elderly woman’s house by pretending there had been a gas leak.

The 82-year-old victim was returning to her home in Raymond Avenue, Chadderton, with a friend at 12.20pm on Tuesday, January 26.

Three men said they were from the housing association and needed to check the gas as there had been a leak in the area.

They helped the pair inside with the shopping and then tried to distract them while they looked for something to steal.

The woman saw one of the men with his hand in her bag and the trio fled.

The offenders are all white men. One is of slim build, about 5ft 5in tall and in his late 30s. Another is of stocky build, 5ft 9in tall and in his late 40s. The third is about 5ft and slim.

Area Inspector David Willcocks said: “It is appalling that these three men overwhelmed their vulnerable victim and her friend in this way.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.