Police hunt builder who stole from pensioner

A builder stole money from the kitchen of a pensioner in Failsworth — and then asked his victim for petrol money.

The thief, believed to be in his 50s, who was working at the man’s house in Montgomery Street, had asked his victim if he could unlock a gate so he could leave his building materials in his back yard overnight.

He then told the 69-year-old householder he was not going to carry on with any work as it was wet. The victim walked back to the gate to lock it, leaving the builder alone in the kitchen.

After the man refused to hand over money for petrol, the builder — described as white, of slim build, 6ft tall and speaking with a local accent — said he would be back the next day and left.

The OAP then opened a kitchen cupboard to find the money had been stolen.

Det Kate Carnally, from Oldham CID said: “This man has taken advantage of the trust the victim placed with him and I would urge anyone who may have fallen victim to the offender to contact us.

“It is believed he was driving a black transit van, so if any of the local community have spotted this vehicle in the local area, we would like to hear from them.”

Call police on 0161-856 8951, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111 if you have any information.