‘Water Board’ conmen target two pensioners

8:42am Tuesday 1st January 2008

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CONMEN tricked their way into the homes of two "vulnerable" elderly people and stole cash.

Police have released details of incidents that happened in Blackburn between 4pm and 5.15pm on Friday, December 28.

The first incident occurred about 4pm in Hereford Road when an 82-year-old man was tricked by a man claiming to be from the Water Board.

He told the victim there was a problem with sewage getting into the water and he needed to go inside to check it.

The man is described as a white male, 5ft 6in, skinny build, aged late 20s or early 30s with a "shallow face" and stubble.

He wore a dark woollen hat and an dark waist length duffle coat.

The victim became suspicious and began to escort him from the house when he saw a second man inside.

Both men ran in the direction of Surrey Road.

The victim then realised his bedroom had been searched and property moved.

The second white male is described as being of a similar height but of a "thickset build". He had neat, short dark hair, and wore a dark knee-length coat.

The second incident happened about 5.15pm in Mowbray Avenue when a man, believed to be the same male who entered the property on Hereford Road, conned his way into the home of a 95-year-old lady saying he was from the Water Board.

Once inside, the man distracted that lady by going into the kitchen and turning the taps on and off.

The man was unable to give an identification, so she ordered him out of the house and he left.

The lady then went into her living room and realised that her handbag was open and her purse had gone.

If you can help call 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.