‘Lowest of low’ use Covid-19 to trick pensioner

CALLOUS conmen used the coronavirus to trick a 92-year-old woman into letting them into her home – before stealing her jewellery, a purse and cash.

The two men ransacked rooms in front of the vulnerable pensioner.

Detectives have blasted them as ‘the lowest of the low’ after they posed as ‘helping hands’ to dupe her.

A major investigation in Royton, Oldham, is now under way and the community are being urged to come together to help police catch the men.

The pensioner, who hasn’t been named, was left unhurt but badly shaken up.

The two men, who were both dressed all in black, knocked on the woman’s front door on Grasmere Road on Thursday night.

Police were called to the scene at 7.30pm. They told her that her neighbour had died of coronavirus – then offered to clean her home for her. Greater Manchester Police said they ‘presented themselves as friendly helping hands’.

But a spokesman said: “Whilst the woman was fetching the men some cleaning products, the two offenders stole a number of items from the victim’s house.

“These belongings included a purse, money and jewellery.”

Chief Inspector Trevor Harrison, of GMP’s Oldham district, appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “This is an absolutely appalling crime, which has taken advantage of a vulnerable and elderly woman at a time where we, as a society, should be looking out for her.

“This is the lowest of the low.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8922, quoting incident number 2104 of 02/04/20.

Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.