Police looking for 'odd-job man' who targeted Selby pensioner
Police in Selby have made an appeal for information to trace an 'odd job man' who is alleged to have targeted a vulnerable pensioner.
Selby
Their appeal follows an incident on Tuesday, September 9th, in which a man made an unsolicited stop at the home of a 71-year-old woman on Bright Walk, looking to carry out odd jobs.
The lady, who has not been identified, gave the man £40 to fix a broken fence. He then left in order purchase materials required in order to carry out the repair.
He is said to have returned the following day requesting a further £40 and without the materials he had promised to provide on his previous visit. Unfortunately, the lady complied with the request for more money.
On the third day the man returned to the lady's home, again without the materials, but this time walked into the woman’s home uninvited. Thankfully, a friend of the victim became suspicious and sent him away.
The man is described as white, aged around 22, around 5ft 10in tall and of thin build. He had long, straight, greasy, black hair and was riding a small, red BMX type bike. He was wearing a grey hoodie and blue jeans, had a scruffy appearance and spoke with a local accent.
Police are appealing to anyone who can help identify the man and to anyone who may have also been targeted by him, to contact them.
They are also warning residents to be on their guard and to be very wary of any cold callers who come to their door. If you live in a No Cold Calling Zone, anyone who calls may be committing an offence.
PC Nicola Gill of Selby Priority Crime Team, said: “I urge local residents to please be on your guard against cold callers. If you are in any doubt about who is at your door, please do not answer it.
“If you need any jobs doing on your property, always contact a reputable tradesperson or local handyman service. If you are unsure, ask friends, neighbours or relatives to help you identify a suitable person to do the work.”
Anyone who has been targeted recently or has any information which can help identify the suspect is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Nicola Gill or email Nicola.gill@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference 12140157810 when passing on information.