Woman, 87, is conned out of £180

POLICE are hunting a conman who bullied an 87-year-old woman out of £180 after insisting her house had loose roof tiles.

The bogus workman struck at a house in Taurus Street, Oldham, between 10 and 11am on Tuesday, May 24.

He told her he was working at a neighbour’s house and had noticed some of her roof tiles were loose.

He offered to fix them and the pensioner agreed.

The man returned 15 minutes later and when questioned by the woman, he insisted the work had been done and demanded £180.

The man police are looking for is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, of very slim build with light hair and a local accent.

Police Constable Holly Mills, from the Neighbourhood Investigation Unit, said: “The offender was not doing any work in the area and tried his luck with the elderly victim. Unfortunately on this occasion, he has been successful.

“Despite the victim’s reservations about the work having been done, she felt she had no other choice but to pay the man.

“I want to hear from anyone who thinks they know who he is.

“I also want to urge residents to be mindful of such cold-calling and would ask them not to agree to any work being done on the spot.

“Please speak to a family member or neighbour if you don’t think a caller is genuine — and above all else, never let them into your house.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 9098, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.