Spate of burglaries in Stockport

4:11pm Friday 22nd August 2008

DETECTIVES have issued a warning to elderly residents in Stockport following a spate of burglaries carried out by a bogus builder.

Shortly after 1pm on Sunday, August 10, a man knocked on the door of a 80-year-old woman in Hawdraw Green, Offerton.

He claimed he was from the council and told his victim he was going to carry out roof work and she handed over a small amount of cash. He then disappeared.

The man asked another pensioner for money for building work in Parkside Walk, Bramhall, at 1pm on Tuesday, August 12.

At about 5pm on Saturday, August 16, the man walked into a house in Regent Road, Heaviley, to find a 79-year-old woman and her husband. He asked them for money for building work, but they refused and he left.

An 87-year-old man was targeted on Sunday, August 17. The man offered to do building work at the elderly man's home in Larkhill Road, Adswood.

As the householder took out a cash box, the offender snatched an envelope, containing money, out of his hand. He shoved him and took the box, which contained a substantial quantity of cash, before running out.

One of the victims described the offender as white, aged 25 to 30 years, about 5ft 4in and of stocky build with dark coloured hair. He had a roundish face with a clear pale complexion and a thin dark moustache. He was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Greg O'Neill from Stockport CID said: "We are doing all we can to catch this man, but we need your help. He may have committed other offences outside Stockport.

"It is important people remain vigilant and look out for the older members of the community. We all have a shared responsibility to protect the elderly and vulnerable people in our community, and this includes being alert to the fact that these type of crimes are being committed.

"People who commit offences like this are devious and can be quite plausible. I would warn elderly people especially not to let anyone into their home unless it has been pre-arranged and be particularly careful if people claim to be carrying out building work and asking for cash up-front.

"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 appalling and I would appeal to anyone who can identify the people responsible for this to contact us."

Anyone with any further information about these crimes or any similar type of crime then please ring Stockport CID on 0161 856 9665 or 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 identity card through the letterbox.

- Do not let anyone into your house without verifying their identity. 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.