'Workman' burglar tricks woman, 81, to get into her home before stealing her cash

A burglar conned his way into an elderly woman's Oldham home before stealing a 'considerable amount of money'.

The offender tricked his way into the apartment of an 81-year-old woman at the Moorlea complex on Evening Street, Failsworth, at 1.30pm yesterday (February 25).

Greater Manchester Police says he told the woman he was a workman for social landlord Regenda Homes, and that he needed to carry out work at her flat.

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He asked the victim to empty a cupboard under the kitchen sink, then asked her to run a tap in the bathroom so he could check the water pressure.

But police say that once the victim was out of his way, the offender searched her property and stole a considerable amount of money.

He then told the woman he needed to 'get a spanner from his vehicle', but fled the scene with the cash, GMP says.

The offender is described as male, aged in his late 20s and with a local accent.

GMP says that at the time of the offence, he was wearing a dark coloured fleece and dark coloured jeans, and it is unknown if he had access to a vehicle.

Officers are investigating the incident as a distraction burglary and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Details can be passed on to the local policing team by email at oldhamborough@gmp.police.uk quoting log number 1665 of February 25, 2022.

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