92-year-old robbed by bogus police officers

BOGUS police officers described as “devious and calculated” tricked their way into a 92-year-old woman’s flat and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

A man and a woman thought to be in their 50s posed as police officers to gain entry into the pensioner’s home on Bawtry Road at 6.50pm on Saturday (8).

After pushing the pensioner into her flat, the male caller restrained the woman, causing injuries to her arms, while the female searched the property.

£400 in cash was stolen before the pair left the scene.

Detectives are appealing for information after the woman suffered significant bruising.

DI Steve Ashmore from Rotherham CID said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for an elderly member of the community and we're providing all relevant support to the woman.

“It appears to be an isolated incident, but that's no consolation to the victim who sustained significant bruising to her arms.

“To trick your way into someone's home is devious and calculated, but then to restrain a pensioner and take cash from her purse is a despicable act.

“House-to-house and forensic enquiries continue and I urge anyone with information to contact us.”

The male suspect is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, stocky build with a round face and he had a thick grey moustache.

The man was wearing a blue anorak with a hood, which he wore up on his head, and spoke with a local accent.

The female suspect is described as white, 5ft 4ins, slim build and was wearing a blue anorak similar to the man with a hood, which was pulled up covering most of her face.

She also spoke with a local accent.

Police said residents should always check a caller's ID before opening their door and officials usually make appointments prior to visiting homes.

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 967 of Saturday, 8 February, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.