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OAPs attacked by bogus policemen

Adam Derbyshire
10/12/2007

A VICIOUS thug posed as a policeman before assaulting two pensioners in their home.

The women, aged 85 and 62, answered a knock at their door, in Lumb Lane, Audenshaw at 1am on Saturday.

The man showed them a fake police badge and claimed the victim’s car had been broken into. After tricking his way inside, he grabbed the 85-year-old, by the throat and punched her in the face. The 62-year-old tried to defend herself but was pushed to the floor. The offender then stole one of the victim's handbags and fled.

Both women were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries and were later discharged.

Detectives have launched a manhunt and also warned householders of steps to take to avoid falling victim to such crime.

The suspect is white, aged 25-30, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, stocky with dark brown hair. He wore a denim blue baseball cap with dark lettering on the front and a white t-shirt with splashes of blue colour on the front. He may also have been wearing leather gloves.

Det Sgt Simon Murphy, from Ashton CID, said: “While I do not want to cause alarm I would appeal to residents, particularly the elderly, to be extra vigilant and ensure their homes are secure.

“Genuine police officers do not enter people's homes without permission and always carry a warrant card to prove their identity.

“The card has a photo of the officer, the officer's name and also their collar number. It also carries the GMP logo and the signature of the chief constable.

“If a member of the public is uncertain about the validity of the identification they should contact police and verify the officer's collar number.

“Tricking your way into the home of an elderly or vulnerable person by posing as a police office is a despicable act and in this instance the two women were physically assaulted. I would urge anyone with information about this crime to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9262 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

POLICE have issed the following advice for dealing with callers: 

• Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller. 
• If you have a door bar or chain put it on before opening the door. 
• Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully, but ensure you close the door on the caller while doing this. 
• If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letter-box, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller. 
• Call the company concerned to verify the identity of the caller, but do not rely on the number given to you as this may be fake. Look it up yourself in the phone book. 
• Do not open the door until you are happy with the caller's identity. 
• If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when either a family member, friend or neighbour can be present