Cowardly theft from 74-year-old woman

A THIEF distracted a pensioner while two others stole cash from her home in Failsworth.

The man barged past the 74-year-old woman, after telling her he was “here to look at your water”, when she answered the door at her home Clough Road, Failsworth.

He walked into the kitchen and turned the taps on and off repeatedly despite the woman asking him to leave.

While this was happening, two other men entered the house and searched the upstairs bedrooms, stealing cash and a games console.

The first offender is described as white, 30-years-old, 5ft 4in tall, of slim build with short dark hair and a thin goatee beard. He was wearing a blue v-neck jumper, dark blue jeans and spoke with a “foreign accent”.

The other two who entered the house and who were seen by a witness are both described as white, in their mid 20s, wearing dark blue clothing. One was wearing a dark baseball cap.

Det Con Joe Burke, from Oldham CID, said: “This is a particularly callous attack on a frail and elderly lady who is suffering health problems.

“Those responsible are cowardly men and they need to be caught before they strike again.

“The victim has been left very shaken as a result and left feeling vulnerable in her own home which is not acceptable.

“I would ask all members of the public who may have seen or heard anything to please contact police.

“While this man did not give the woman a second to deny him entry, I want to stress how important it is that you do not let strangers into your home.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 8951, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.