Police brand sneak in theft at pensioner's Batley home as "despicable"

West Yorkshire Police have today issued an appeal for the public to help with the investigation after the incident on Thursday at his home on Wayne Close.

One of two men rang the door bell at around 12pm asking to check a leak in the back garden but as the victim took the man into the garden, another entered through the insecure front door and he later discovered that cash and jewellery had been stolen.

Police say one man is described as white, 5 feet six inches tall, slim and in his late teens or early 20s. He was wearing a blue and white striped top and spoke with an Irish accent. The other man is described as white, stocky and in his late 30s to early 40s. He was wearing a red shirt and dark bottoms and also spoke with an Irish accent.

Det Insp Mark Atkinson of Kirklees CID said: "This was a despicable crime carried out against a vulnerable man in his own home. We would like to remind people to keep their doors locked at all times to help prevent this type of offence.

"If you are not sure if a cold caller is genuine ask to see some identification of ask their name and a contact number for their company. Genuine callers will not mind waiting while you check out their details. If you are still not sure do not open the door and report the matter to police on the 101 non-emergency number."

He added that anyone with information about this burglary is asked to call police quoting reference number 13180368955.