Bogus Water Officials rob elderly Haslingden couple

Date published: 01 September 2009

Police are appealing for information after an elderly couple from Haslingden were burgled by three men posing as workmen from the water board. 

At approximately 2.10pm on Friday 28th August 2009, the two victims who live on Blackburn Road heard a knock at door. Upon looking through the window, they saw a man stood at the door. 

One of them answered the door to be told there had been a water leak and they had come to check their water supply. The three men then entered the address and one of them distracted the couple whilst the others stole money, before leaving in a dark coloured vehicle in the direction of the A56 Haslingden Bypass. 

The offenders are described as:
Male 1: white, in his 30’s, thin build, mousey brown hair, receding, wearing a dark coloured top and jeans.
Male 2: white male, in his 40’s, 6ft tall, big build, mousey hair, rugged looks, wearing blue woollen jumper and jeans.
Male 3: white male, in his late teens to early twenties, fair hair, thin build, wearing jeans and dark jumper. 

The vehicle is believed to be a dark coloured mid-sized vehicle. 

DI Stuart Dixon from Pennine Division CID said: “This is a particularly disturbing incident and is being treated very seriously by the Investigating officers. These types of crimes are conducted by deplorable individuals who prey on the vulnerable. 

“Officers are currently conducting a number of lines of enquiry in order to trace these offenders. I would urge anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, or has any information at all in relation to this crime, to contact Rawtenstall CID 01706 237349 or crime stoppers 0800 555 111. “ 

In the meantime, he urged local homeowners to be wary of unannounced callers, giving this advice:
“We would always advise people to be wary of anyone who turns up at the door unannounced and warn people never to let strangers into their home.

“If the caller is genuine they won’t mind giving you a business card and then you calling them for a return visit – perhaps when you have had time to check their validity and when you have a friend or family member present with you.” 

He concluded: “Local people, particularly the older members of the community tend to be quite trusting, but unfortunately there are a small minority of individuals prepared to take advantage of this. Don’t run the risk of falling prey to thieves, keep your guard up, your door closed and if you see anything suspicious, report it to the Police immediately.”