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Conmen outwitted by quick-thinking OAP

27/ 9/2008

A QUICK-thinking pensioner thwarted conmen who tried to trick her out of money.

The 84-year-old was approached at her home in Halifax Road, Smallbridge, at about 12.50pm on Tuesday by a man saying there had been a drain leak.

He took her name and phone number and said an engineer would ring to arrange an appointment to carry out checks.

But when a man called about 20 minutes later and asked for a deposit for the work she realised he was a fraud and put the phone down, before calling the police.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick of Rochdale CID said: "These men tried to prey on a woman they believed to be vulnerable, but she realised they were not legitimate and handled the situation extremely well.

"These men clearly think it is acceptable to try and con people out of money and they need to be caught and held accountable for their contemptible behaviour. I want to commend this woman’s quick thinking and her swift action in contacting the police.

"If anyone has any information about the men responsible please get in touch."

The man who went to the house is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s of an average build and about 5ft 9ins tall. He was dressed smartly and was carrying a clipboard.

Anyone with information should contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Greater Manchester Poilce is also running a ‘nominated neighbour’ scheme, where householders can display a card in their window requesting callers to visit a neighbour who will check their identification before being allowed into the house.

Call into a police station to request a pack.