An elderly man was conned out of several hundred pounds by bogus workmen in Astley.
Sometime between 12pm and 1pm on Thursday 22 December 2011, a 76-year-old man answered a knock at the door of his home on Ennerdale Road, Astley.
A man offered to repair some of his roof for money and returned later that day with two other men and materials.
The victim was then asked for a further payment and convinced him further work needed to be done to the rear of the property.
He told them he had no more money but would go and withdraw more cash.
He withdrew an amount and handed it to them before the men left, saying they would be back after lunch.
The first man is described as being white, of slim build, thin features, 5ft 7in tall and had brown hair. He spoke with an Irish accent and was wearing a red lumber jack style shirt.
The second man is described as white, of stocky build, 5ft 7in tall, had brown hair and spoke with an Irish accent.
The third man is described as being white, of stocky build, between 5ft 7in and 6ft tall and spoke with an Irish accent.
Police Constable Sarah Appleby based at Atherton Police Station said: "These men clearly took advantage of a vulnerable member of the community and their actions have disgusted everyone in the neighbourhood.
"We believe the men were in a white van and I would urge anyone who saw them in the area or who have been approached by them to contact police.
"I would ask residents to be vigilant and stop and think before you open the door. Always ask for them to show identification as a genuine caller would not want to cause distress and would be happy for you to check their credentials."
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7319 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
BOGUS CALLER ADVICE
- Keep all external doors locked at all times, whether you are at home or not.
- Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
- If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door and don't open the door completely until you are happy with the caller's identity.
- Always ask for the caller to show identification. A genuine caller will be happy for you to check this with their employer.
- If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox.
- If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.
- An outside light over your door will help you to see a caller clearly if it is dark.
- Remember that friends, neighbours and relatives can help by setting up password schemes or acting as a nominated neighbour.
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