Bogus caller steals cash in Stretford

10:57am Thursday 4th December 2008

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A BOGUS caller had a cup of coffee with his victim, who was a pensioner, after stealing cash from her home in Stretford.

The man knocked on the door of the house on Derbyshire Lane West, claiming to have called in to check on her stair lift.

The man then walked into the house and claimed to know of problems with the stair lift, before asking the 81-year-old woman to make him a cup of coffee, which she did.

After a few minutes in another room, the man came into the kitchen to collect his coffee. He stayed in the kitchen with the woman for 15 minutes as he drank his coffee.

The offender then left saying that he would get the stair lift sorted, only for the victim to notice that cash had been stolen from the living room while she was alone in the kitchen.

The offender was described as white, aged 30 to 40 years, 6ft tall, of slim build. He was clean-shaven and wore a yellow high visibility jacket and a hard hat.

PC Stuart Foy said: "The man clearly tricked his victim into believing that he was genuine, and left his victim feeling cheated.

"We are appealing to anyone with information that could help us. Maybe there are other people who have been approached by a man who can seemingly talk his way into people's houses."

Anyone with information about the incident, which occurred at about 12.45pm on Wednesday, November 19, is asked to call police on 0161 856 7635 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Some important safety tips: - When a stranger knocks on your door, keep it latched at all times. If you do not have a latch ask them to push their ID card through the letterbox.

- Do not let anyone into your house without verifying his or her ID. Check the name of the company in the phone book, and call the company before letting them in to make sure they are genuine.

- If you have any concerns at all do not let the person in.

- Ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour is there. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.

- Finally, look out for your neighbours, and report any suspicious activity to police.