Pensioners burgled after 'lost ball' claim

1:19pm Thursday 26th April 2007

In Ashton, two pensioners were burgled by men claiming to be looking for their sons' lost footballs.

The first took place around 10.45am on Saturday in Windsor Avenue, Ashton.

One man engaged the 80-year-old householder in conversation at her back door while his accomplice slipped into the house.

Police are still finding out exactly what was taken.

The pair were white, in their late teens, 5ft 10in tall and slim. They were seen arriving in a new Ford Fiesta.

A similar burglary took place at around 7.30pm on the same day in Clyde Street, Ashton.

An 89-year-old man was disturbed by a man at the back of his house again claiming he was looking for his son's lost ball.

Two offenders have then made their way in through the front door and stole £700 in cash.

The first is described as white, around 30, 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build with black curly hair and wearing a navy blue jumper.

The second is a white male, around 17, of slim build, 5ft 9in tall with very short receding hair, and wearing a grey jumper.

The third is described as male, white, 17 years, 5ft 8tall, of slim build with short hair and dark clothing.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.