Callous burglar targets elderly victim with fake water pressure check
Intruder tricks way inside home
A man rocked up at an elderly victim’s Chestnut Street home at around 3.15pm on Tuesday, July 12. He claimed he was there to check the water pressure and was let inside.
But the visitor was no tradesman. Instead, he ransacked the property, making off with about £100 in cash and sentimental jewellery, including watches worth roughly £500 and diamond rings.
Police hunt suspect linked to other local crimes
Detectives believe this brazen burglary is connected to other recent offences in the town and possibly North Manchester. They have urged anyone with information to come forward urgently.
“What happened to this elderly gentleman is appalling,” said Detective Sergeant Matthew Adshead of GMP’s Oldham district. “He is understandably shaken after what was a deliberate and cowardly burglary.”
The victim has lost precious items, and officers are determined not only to recover these but also to catch the culprit.
CCTV released – public urged to help
Police have released images of the man they want to speak to in connection with the crime. No arrests have yet been made.
If you recognise the suspect or have any tips, contact detectives on 0161 856 4521 quoting incident 2184 of 12/07/2022. You can also give info anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Be alert to bogus callers
Police are warning the public to be wary of strangers posing as officials to gain entry to homes. If anyone is suspicious, residents should call 999 immediately rather than letting them in.
