Old folk targets for crying boy's callous con

Police have appealed for help in tracking down the heartless youth who called at several properties on December 20 and 21 and asked for help, claiming that he had received news of a family disaster and needed money for a taxi.

Investigating officers said that he promised concerned residents that his mother would return the money the next day.

A police spokesman revealed that he had also stolen items from the homes of some elderly residents in Edlington and Balby after gaining access by using similar tactics.

He said: “Officers believe that the boy has been able to gain entry to a number of houses belonging to elderly residents in Edlington and Balby and has pretended to use their phone but has taken money from them.”

The spokesman added: “The boy is described as being white, approximately 15-years-old, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair.

“He was reportedly wearing dark coloured jogging bottoms, dark trainers, and a top with a stripe down each arm.”

Anyone with information about these incidents is being urged to contact South Yorkshire Police by dialling 101 and quoting incident number 982 of December 20.