A clergyman and his carer were targeted by conmen who stole cheques for a church bank account.
The thieves, who have not been caught, preyed on Pastor Frank Andrews, 51, and Carl Taylor, 31, by tricking their way into their home last October.
The men befriended Carl and persuaded him to let them into the house where they stole a briefcase containing blank cheques for the Hyndburn Christian Fellowship, which is based at Oswaldtwistle Community Centre. When their crime was discovered they handed back the briefcase - but without the cheques.
Days later another man Leigh David James Sledden, 29, was caught out when he tried to bank one of the stolen cheques, made out for £762, at the Lloyds TSB bank in Haslingden.
Pastor Andrews, who is also an author, has lived with a full time carer Carl at Blackburn Road in Haslingden, since a serious stroke nine years ago and feels they were targeted due to their trusting nature. He said: “They came to the house to sell goods to Carl.
“While they were talking one went to the bathroom and stole my briefcase which contained cheques and a gold chain, which was my mother’s. Unknown to us he also unlocked the back door.
“When I came home and realised what had gone Carl called someone who knew them and they returned the briefcase but without my cheque book. During the night someone came back and tried to get in but we heard them and disturbed them.”
Pastor Andrews, who also suffers from diabetes, added: “The whole thing was obviously an elaborate scam to get into the house.
“They took advantage of our good nature. It was a bit of a frightening experience but it has taught us both not to trust people too easily. It has made us more nervous and particularly towards people who seem very friendly.” Sledden, of Manchester Road, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods and was handed a six-week community order by magistrates in Blackburn. He was electronically tagged and must live at home with a curfew requirement between 8pm and 8am each day until March 20.
n Police confirmed that a 39-year-old man was arrested for theft and theft by finding after he tried to cash some of the cheques. He was given an adult caution in November.
