Elderly woman robbed in Rotherham – can you help?

Latest news in Yorkshire: September 07, 2017 11:04:02 AM

Detectives have launched an investigation after an elderly woman was tied up and robbed in her own home.

A 70-year-old woman, living at a house in Spring Walk, Rotherham, is said to have been putting her bin out when a man, wearing dark clothing with his face covered, jumped over her garden gate and walked into the house, at around 4.40pm yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 5 September).

T/Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ashmore investigating, explains: “The man claimed he was being chased, needed help and on seeing the open door of the house, walked inside.

“Once inside he tied the woman up using some material, described as black and white, that he had been carrying with him.

“The man, who was also wearing gloves and is described as skinny, then subjected the woman to an extremely distressing ordeal, leading her around the house asking her where her jewellery was before tying her up.

“He stole a large amount of jewellery from the house, before leaving the area on foot, thought to have been heading towards Nottingham Street.

“He was using a white pillow case, taken from the woman’s house, to carry the items.

“Thankfully, the woman was able to untie herself soon after and phone police. She sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. A thorough investigation is now underway to identify the suspect and this is being treated as an absolute priority for our team.

“Although we do believe this to be a targeted attack, I’d like to ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to please get in touch with us.

“If you think you know who could be responsible or remember seeing someone acting suspiciously in the Spring Walk area yesterday, please contact us via 101 quoting incident number 810 of 5 September 2017.”

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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