A conman snatched cash from an 81-year-old Blackley woman last week after claiming to have carried out gardening work at her home.
He knocked on the door of her home, in Longton Road, at around 1pm on June 19 and told the woman it would cost ‘two-eighty’ to cut the hedges in the front garden, which she understood as £2.80, and she agreed to the work.
Less than five minutes later he knocked on the door again, having carried out minimal work, and demanded £280.
The woman said she could not afford to pay that amount after which the man snatched £30 of cash from her hand and left, driving away in a white van.
Detective Constable Nick Boardman said: “We are asking people in the area to be extra vigilant and be cautious of anyone cold calling to sell services such as gardening.
“Don’t feel pressured into making a decision on the spot and ask for a written quote if needs be. Any genuine caller should be happy to do so.
“If you have any concerns or suspicions about someone calling at your home, do not hesitate to call police.”
The man is described as around 5ft 7in tall and white. He was wearing a navy and white striped shirt and spoke with a local Manchester accent.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3267 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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