AN ALADDIN'S cave of treasures stolen by a conman who targeted the elderly are to be reunited with their owners.

The huge haul of antiques and heirlooms was found at the home of serial burglar Leslie Fishwick, dubbed "The Watchman", in Newlands Drive, Breightmet.

Fishwick stole thousands of pounds worth of goods during his burglary spree which lasted nearly a decade. The 55-year-old posed as an antiques dealer and tricked his way into the homes of scores of pensioners and stole watches, clocks and cash.

He was nicknamed The Watchman because of the number of clocks and watches he stole.

They believe he may have been responsible for more than 100 burglaries, but the real figure could be much higher.

Det Insp Simon Collier, of Bury CID, said: "We would delighted to be able to reunite the rightful owners with the items, many of which will have huge sentimental value."

Fishwick appeared to operate as a legitimate businessman but police say his "finely honed skills" were netting him a fortune.

He claimed he was an antiques dealer and tricked his way into victims homes and stole items of value.

He covered large parts of the North-west, and even made up false paperwork to trick his victims and add creditability to his trade.

Fishwick lived modestly while he stashed away a fortune from selling the stolen goods at flea markets.

Over time, he began to strike more often and at one point, he was hitting a dozen homes a week.

Fingerprints were taken from the houses he had visited but a search on the police database drew a blank.

At another house, he drank a cup of coffee from a mug was later sent for analysis which revealed DNA.

He was caught after a resident in Bury recognised him and called the police. The fingerprints and DNA tied him to the crimes.

Police found £96,000 in cash at his home. He had £56,000 in a bank account.

Fishwick admitted nine counts of burglary at Bolton Crown Court in December and asked for a further 17 to be taken into account.

He was jailed for five years. His accounts were frozen pending a court hearing.

The story of Fishwick will feature on Inside Out on BBC1 on Monday at 7.30pm.

Anyone who recognises the items from the pictures on this page or from the TV programme should call 0161 856 8145.