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Warning as bogus callers target OAP

Jonathon Dillon
21/ 4/2005

RESIDENTS are being urged to be on their guard against bogus builders calling at their homes offering to carry out work.

Police are appealing for information after an elderly woman had around £500 stolen from her home by two conmen.

She was duped by the men who said she needed to have work carried out on the slates on the roof at her home in Springfield Road, Great Harwood.

The incident has prompted a warning from the police for residents, especially pensioners, to be vigilant against tricksters.

Sergeant Ian Corbett, from Great Harwood CID, said: "These men visited the same house in January and told the occupant she would need slate work doing.

"When they returned this week the men entered the house, which is in a quiet residential street, and while one of them was upstairs distracting the woman, the other searched the bedroom and wardrobe and stole money from three purses."

The incident happened on Monday between 1.25pm and 1.40pm. The men fled when they were disturbed by a family member.

The first offender was aged between 40 and 50, around 5' 9'' tall, of medium build with a Lancashire accent. He had short dark hair, which was speckled grey, and his nose looked broken. He had a rugged complexion with dark stubble.

He wore a grey or blue anorak, possibly nylon, and worn denim blue jeans.

The second man was white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall, of slim build with short blond hair. He was clean-shaven, spoke with a local accent and wore pale clothing.

Sgt Corbett added: "We just want to make sure elderly residents in that area are fully aware of what is happening and if anyone has information they can contact me or Great Harwood CID."

Information can be directed to either the police on 353342 or Crimestoppers, in total confidence, on 0800 555 111.