Gran left distraught by cruel con man

CON victim Ruth Whitehill (centre) with her daughter Jane Ross (left) and granddaughter Gemma Ross

Oldhamers have been urged to be on their guard against a bogus council official after a grandmother was robbed and left badly shaken.

Pensioner Ruth Whitehill answered her door in Milk Street, Greenacres to a man claiming to be from the council.

He asked her to bring him a glass of water, and it was only after he had left she realised her purse had gone too.

Ruth’s granddaughter, Gemma Ross, said: “This has really knocked her confidence. She has been very quiet, jumpy and shaky since this happened.

“She is really nervous because there is no way to stop people she doesn’t know knocking on her door.”

Gemma (23), who lives with her parents in Failsworth, warned elderly people not to answer the door to people they don’t know or aren’t expecting.

The incident happened between 6 and 6.30pm on Sunday. The offender is a heavy-built white man who wore a beige jacket and spoke with a local accent. If you have information you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

All council employees carry proper identification, which householders should ask to see.

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