Wallet stolen from OAP in distraction theft

A man approached a house on Gathurst Road in Orrell, Wigan, at around 6pm on Tuesday, February 9, and asked for a bucket of water for a radiator.

The occupant of the house, a 90-year-old man with limited eye sight, allowed the man into the house and led him into the kitchen where he filled a bucket of water for him. He gave it to the man and followed him along the hallway to the front door.

On the way out, the man took a wallet containing cash from the hallway table.

The next day, the victim realised the wallet had been stolen but did not initially report the incident to police.

Police are appealing for information and warning residents to be vigilant.

PC Steven Shaw said: “It appears this man, who can only be described as a 6ft tall slim man with a northern accent due to the victim’s extremely poor eyesight, has got into the house under the guise of needing a bucket of water and taken the man’s wallet on the way out.

“We would ask residents to remain vigilant and only let people into the house who they are expecting or who can provide identification. If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood I would urge them to call police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.