A bogus police officer has attempted to trick a pensioner in Ashton-on-Ribble.
AdvertisementPreston Police have issued a warning after a woman in her 90s was targeted.
She was approached in Ashton as she made her way home from the shops on Sunday (May 10).
Around 6.45pm the woman was approached by a man.
He claimed he had been sent by the police with an update on a previous incident.
The pensioner let him into her house and later found her purse has been stolen.
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Inspector Chris Barton said: “This is a despicable crime committed against an elderly and vulnerable lady and we will do all we can to track down this callous offender.
“I would urge people to be vigilant and to take some simple steps to try to avoid becoming a victim.
“A bogus caller may call uninvited to your home with the intention of tricking you into letting them in so that they can steal from you.
“A rogue trader may advise you that you need work doing on your roof, driveway or other part of your home.
“They may even say that your property is dangerous and that you will be responsible if someone is injured. The work they do can be poor standard and prices are often inflated.
“Older adults in particular are at risk but anyone can become a victim.”
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