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Pensioner alert after burglary spree

Adam Derbyshire
31/ 3/2008

POLICE are urging OAPs to be vigilant following 11 distraction burglaries in Tameside within three days.

In all the cases the offender posed as a water board official in order to trick his way into the elderly victims’ addresses before snatching cash.

Police are linking all 11 offences. Five burglaries took place in Audenshaw on Wednesday, followed by three in Hyde and Hattersley on Thursday and three in Denton, Haughton Green and Hyde on Friday.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, aged 35 to 45 years of medium to large build. He has a round face with stubble.

Detective Constable Neil Phillips, of Ashton police, said: “People who commit offences like this are devious and can be quite plausible. I would warn elderly residents in the community not to let anyone into their home unless it has been pre-arranged, and be particularly careful if people claim to be from the water board and need to enter your house in an emergency.

“A genuine caller would always attend by appointment and carry identification. If you ever have any doubts as to whether a caller is genuine, or you don't feel comfortable with the situation, don't let them in.

“A legitimate caller would not have a problem with this and should be happy for you to contact their employer before letting them into your home.

“This sort of crime is despicable and I would appeal to anyone who can identify the person responsible for this to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Tameside CID on 0161 856 9255 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.