Warning after thief targets 86-year-old woman

The victim was in the garden of her property in Cornmill Drive, Liversedge, at around 2pm on Sunday when a man has approached asking if she would like assistance with chopping down some trees.

The victim agreed, gave him money for the work and returned inside her house. The man has entered the property without permission and taken the victim’s handbag before leaving the scene.

The thief is described as white, aged in his 20s, of thin build, wearing a dark coat.

Detective Constable Simon Reddington, of Kirklees District CID, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around this time who saw a man matching the suspect’s description or with any other information which could help our investigation.

“While this appears to be an isolated incident, we would urge residents to treat callers at their door with caution. Bogus callers generally target the vulnerable and elderly and we need people to look out for their family, friends and neighbours.

“Our advice is that if an individual or company call round unexpectedly, ask the caller to go away and for a formal appointment to be made if you are interested in their services where you can also have other people present. Never feel under pressure, you are not under obligation to let them in.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kirklees Burglary Team via 101.