Police release e-fit of conman

WANTED. . . . an e-fit of the man police are looking for

POLICE are hunting a man who tricked his way into a Shaw pensioner’s home and stole money from her purse.

The thief told his 79-year-old victim that he was waiting for a lift and needed to use the toilet at 2.15pm on Saturday, March 6.

The man is described as white, in his late 50s, with greying hair and about 5ft 6in tall. He was wearing a grey zip-up jacket and spoke with a local accent.

Police have now released an e-fit of the offender and are appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

Since April, 2009, there have been a string of distraction burglaries in the Chadderton, Shaw, Royton and Failsworth areas.

In most cases, the offender has pretended to be a family member of the victim’s next door neighbour and is waiting for them to return.

He then makes a bogus call to confirm his story and asks to come in and wait either by asking to use the toilet or for a cup of tea.

While inside, he then distracts his victim and steals cash.

Police are investigating whether these incidents are linked and the same man is responsible.Residents are being urged to be particularly vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour so they do not fall prey to this type of crime.

Det Con Natalie Sykes said: “I would urge everyone in the community to be vigilant, and look after the older people living next door or across the road from you.

“Unfortunately, the people who commit this type of crime prey on people who they believe to be vulnerable.

“We are investigating whether these incidents are linked and whether we are looking for one man or a series of offenders. We are doing everything we can to find those responsible.

“Our message is clear — do not open your door to unexpected callers.

“If they are genuine companies make sure that they make prearranged appointments via their official office.

“If you doubt that the person is genuine follow your instinct and call the police every time.

“You will not be criticised in any way for doing this, we want to help and protect you, and will respond quickly to your call.”

Anyone with any information about this burglary is asked to contact police on 0161-856 9042 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.