Worksop: Detectives praise bravery of woman, 90, who fended off con men with walking stick

Detectives have praised the bravery of a 90-year-old woman who fended off con men posing as undercover cops with her walking stick as they forced their way into her home late at night.
Pictures of Thievesdale Lane,Worksop along with street signs, to go with
story of Attempted Burglary at an elderley Pensioners home

(Thievesdale lane is a long road, divided into two areas)Pictures of Thievesdale Lane,Worksop along with street signs, to go with
story of Attempted Burglary at an elderley Pensioners home

(Thievesdale lane is a long road, divided into two areas)
Pictures of Thievesdale Lane,Worksop along with street signs, to go with story of Attempted Burglary at an elderley Pensioners home (Thievesdale lane is a long road, divided into two areas)

The thugs, who were dressed in dark clothing and had their faces covered, pushed past her to enter the house and began searching for cash.

The victim used her walking stick to try and protect herself and her property, and the men fled with only a small amount of money.

Officers investigating the burglary, which happened on Monday, at 10pm, on Thievesdale Lane, are now urging residents to be aware of offenders using fake identities.

Detective Inspector Jamie Hill told the Guardian: “We are treating this as an isolated incident and we are appealing for witnesses.

“It was at an unusual time of night for this type of offence, they are usually during the day.

“It is very rare, she was scared but she was not fooled by them.

“We are particularly keen to hear from witnesses who may have seen a vehicle, person or persons in the area.

He added: “The lady was extremely brave. She was not hurt, but is very shook up and no violence was used.”

Residents living nearby told the Guardian that it was a ‘quiet’ area and that they were ‘shocked’ by the incident.

Wendy Parkes, 60, said: “I hope they get their comeuppance, it is not right.

“I am glad she did fight back. It is a quiet place.

“They are really, really lovely people around here.

“There are a lot of elderly people living here.”

Fellow neighbour Joan Staniland, 80, said: “It happened to me years ago and it is very upsetting.

“It is very unnerving for people. I will make my neighbours aware.”

Councillors this week also called for witnesses to come forward and to help police with their investigation.

Leader of Notts County Council and councillor for Worksop north east, Alan Rhodes, said: “It is a dreadful incident.

“These people are cowards.

“For people to take advantage of a 90-year-old lady is evil beyond belief.

“It is much worse as they were impersonating police officers because, of course, the police are people that we should be able to rely upon to protect us.”

Fellow councillor for Worksop north east and leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Simon Greaves, said: “I am horrified by what has taken place.

“For people to be posing as police officers to trick their way into this lady’s house is as bad as it gets in my eyes. They should be sent to prison for a long time and they should throw away the key.

“I hope that witnesses will come forward and that this lady gets all the support she needs, and I am sure she will.”

If you have any information about the incident call police on 101, quoting incident number 824.

To speak to the Crime Prevention Unit about protecting your property, call 101 or email [email protected].

If you have any information about the incident call police on 101, quoting incident number 824.