08/08/2008

'Kissing' Thief Robs Elderly Woman

A 97-year-old woman has been robbed by a man who tricked his way into her home.

Greater Manchester Police say the incident happened at 7.15 on August 7.

Police say the man knocked on the elderly woman's door on Greenmount Drive in Little Hulton and when she answered, he kissed her on the cheek and walked straight through the door.

The man then stole her handbag containing a quantity of cash and then fled.

Because of the distress caused by the incident, the only description the victim could provide was that the offender was white, between 30 and 40 years old and quite tall.

The woman had to be treated for shock at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Julie Connor, of Salford CID, said: "What this man did was nothing short of disgusting.

"He has preyed upon a vulnerable, elderly woman and tricked his way into her house, stooping so low as to steal her handbag and leaving this woman absolutely traumatised.

"No-one should be made to feel like that in their own home."

Det Sergt Connor has asked residents to be "extra vigilant" when answering the door to strangers.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

(DS/JM)

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