Burglar targets 86-year-old woman

The 86-year-old woman was in her garden on Cornmill Drive, Liversedge, at about 2pm on Sunday.

A man approached her asking if she would like some of her trees chopped down.

The pensioner agreed and paid the man for the work before going back into her home.

But he went into her home without permission and stole her handbag before leaving.

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

Det Con 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 should call the Kirklees Burglary Team on 101.