Pensioner burgled as she recovers from heart surgery

A couple tricked their way into the home of an elderly woman recovering from open heart surgery and stole her purse yesterday (Monday 10 November).

The 77-year-old woman answered the door to her home on Berwyn Avenue, Middleton, at about 1.50pm, expecting it to be a doctor, and was confronted by a man and a woman who claimed they had come to make her tea.

They then barged their way inside and the woman kept the victim talking while her accomplice rummaged through the rest of her house.

Having stolen her purse, the couple fled, leaving the victim upset and shaken.

It is thought the couple got into a blue car on Collinge Avenue.

Contained in the purse were several Irish £5 notes and Irish notes with the image of footballer George Best on them and police are appealing to anyone who comes across these distinctive notes to come forward.

The man is described as white, about 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and in his early 20s with short dark hair. His accomplice was a white woman, 5ft 2in tall, of slim build and in her early 20s with straight blonde shoulder length hair tied at the back.

The driver of the blue car was said to be a white man, in his 20s, of slim build, pale looking with short or shaven hair.

Detective Constable Nick Price, based at Rochdale CID, said: "This was a callous and cowardly crime committed by a couple who have no conscience and think it is acceptable to burgle a defenceless, elderly woman.

"Understandably she has been left in a state of shock and she is still recovering from open heart surgery.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward so we can catch the culprits. I would also urge the local community to be vigilant at this time and report any suspicious behaviour to police.

"The notes that were stolen in the burglary are very distinctive and I would ask that if anyone comes across these notes, particularly if they are given the George Best notes, make a note of who is offering them to you and call us immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.