Residents in ‘lost ball’ scam alert

HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned to beware of scammers who ask if they can search for a football in the garden, paving the way for an accomplice to rifle through the property.

Elderly residents have been targeted over the past few weeks, police have revealed today.

Officers said in one incident, a 69-year-old woman answered the door to her home in Medlock Vale to a man who said his children had kicked the ball into her back garden.

The woman went to look for it, closing but not locking the door.

When she returned to tell him she couldn’t find it, the man told her he had the wrong house and left. She later discovered her purse and a small amount of cash was missing. That incident took place on Monday, August 2 at around 4.30pm. The man was described as white, in his late 30s, about 5ft 2in tall and of a large build. He had short black hair, wore dark-rimmed square glasses, a short-sleeved top and grey trousers.

In another incident in Lees, a 73-year-old woman spoke to a boy from her bedroom window.

She let him into the garden, on July 9, while a man sneaked into the house and stole cash.

Detective Constable Natalie Sykes said: “It really is a cowardly act to target the elderly.

“Those responsible have no scruples.

“We understand that victims to this scam may be too embarrassed to report it, but in order to stamp it out we need them to call the police.”

She warned householders to treat callers looking for a ball with caution.

“Even if you think the call is genuine, keep your eye on the caller at all times and ensure all the doors and windows are locked”

Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161-856 9042 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.