Hunt to find distraction conman

Advertisement

The man pretends he works for a water firm

Police are hunting a conman thought to have carried out dozens of distraction burglaries at elderly people's homes.

He has targeted more than 50 homes in Greater Manchester in five months, with his victims aged 82, on average.

Detectives say he claims to be from the water board but does not show any identification.

He gives the occupant a task to do like holding the toilet cistern's ballcock while he steals cash. He then leaves - saying he needs something from his van.

He is believed to be responsible for burglaries across the whole of Greater Manchester, including one in Leigh, near Wigan, in April, and another in Sale last month.

'Pathetic individuals'

Det Insp Derek Weaver said: "It is a sad and depressing fact that some pathetic individuals prey on those members of our society who are the most vulnerable and least able to protect themselves.

"To trick your way into someone's house by abusing their spirit of trust and to then steal from them is cowardly and underhand.

"Many of the victims feel violated by this treatment, and most have been badly affected by the financial losses incurred.

"It is imperative we trace the man in the CCTV footage and if anyone has any information regarding these offences to contact police in Tameside."