Trickster targets woman, 88

A HEARTLESS con-man stole cash and commemorative coins from the house of an 88-year-old woman in a distraction burglary.

Just before 4pm on Friday, February 11, a man knocked on the window of the woman’s home on Lorne Street, Coppice, asking for someone called Doreen.

She said no one of that name lived there and the man asked could he look in her telephone directory.

Once inside the house, he asked if he could use the toilet. He went upstairs and stole four silver Queen’s Coronation coins worth around £100.

The man is described as white, in his early 30s, slim build and was around 5ft 4in tall. He wore glasses, a navy blue suit and spoke with an Oldham accent.

PC Claire Williams, from Oldham Neighbourhood Investigation Unit, said: “This type of crime is despicable and older and vulnerable people are purposefully targeted as they are seen as easy pickings.

“I would urge all residents to be vigilant and not answer the door to people they do not know.”

Anyone with any information should phone police on 0161-872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.

There are simple steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of distraction burglary or bogus callers:

::Keep all external doors locked at all times, whether you are at home or not.

::Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.

::If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door and don’t open the door completely until you are happy with the caller’s identity.

::Always ask for the caller to show identification. A genuine caller will be happy for you to check this with their employer.

::If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox.

::If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.

::An outside light over your door will help you to see a caller clearly if it is dark.

::Remember that friends, neighbours and relatives can help by setting up password schemes or acting as a nominated neighbour.