Bogus workmen steal cash from elderly Hartlepool couple

The theft occurred after one man called at a home in Collingwood Road at 12.30pm on Thursday and claimed work needed doing on the chimney.

The 80-year-old occupants agreed for the work to be carried out and he returned a short time later with two others. All three were in and out of the property, as though they were going to begin work, but left without doing anything. It is believed they stole a large quantity of cash.

The men left in a silver people carrier with ladders on the top.

One of the men is described as white, in his 40s, around 5 ft 8” tall, of fat/stocky build with a large stomach, short dark hair and clean-shaven with a normal complexion. He was wearing a blue t-shirt with ‘roofing contractor’ on the rear, dark trousers and grey gloves with red fingers.

The second man is described as white, in his 20s, of slim build, around 5 ft 11” tall, with dark hair and a pale complexion and he was wearing the same t-shirt as the first male with grey tracksuit bottoms

The third man had a tanned complexion, was around 5 ft 11” tall and of stocky build with short curly hair and was wearing a dark-coloured top.

Officers would like to warn people to be extra careful if their home is approached by unknown people asking to do work at their homes as they could potentially be rogue traders.

Anyone who may have seen the men described or anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have been witnesses is asked to contact Detective Constable Amanda Luke on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.