Conman targets elderly householders

The man, said to have a slight stammer, works with an accomplice and is believed to be behind five "distraction burglaries" in the Cookridge, West Park and Holt Park areas, four of which happened on the same day – last Friday. The other was reported on Friday July 30.

Each time, he knocked at the door in the morning telling the victims that workmen nearby had caused damage that could flood their properties.

Once inside, he distracted the occupants by checking under sinks while an accomplice sneaked in.

Homes in Spen Crescent, Spen Lane, Holtdale Drive, Green Lane and Gilbert Close were targeted .The victims were three women and two men aged between 79 and 87.

The suspect is white, in his early 30s, with short dark hair.