Thieves pose as gardeners to steal from pensioner

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Two men posing as gardeners have stolen money from an elderly woman in the Manchester region.

At around 12pm on 23rd June, a man knocked on the window of the 90-year-old victim's home on Wardle Road in Rochdale and asked if she needed any work doing in her garden.

The man walked around the back of the house and discussions between the two continued. The woman said that she did not want any gardening doing, but mentioned an overgrowing tree in her yard.

He then walked off and returned with another man. The victim entered the garden and began speaking to one of the offenders while the other snuck into the kitchen and stole money from her purse.

The first man is described as being white, between 40 and 50 years old, of medium build, and around 5ft 6 in height. He spoke with a local accent and wore a blue anorak and baseball cap.

His accomplice was white, in his late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 6in tall, of large build, and had a scar on his left cheek. He was wearing a white anorak on the day in question.

Police Constable John Byrne from the Volume Crime Team said: “This was a despicable crime on an elderly and vulnerable member of our community and she cannot believe that these two men have taken advantage of her in such a way.

“It is likely that the offenders will look for other opportunities to steal money or possessions from people so I would ask local neighbourhoods to be vigilant.

“If you have seen men fitting this description and acting in a suspicious manner or may have fallen victim to them, please contact police as soon as possible.�

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8635 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.