Manchester: Burglars target elderly woman on Christmas Eve

The burglary is believed to have happened at around 6pm on December 24 on Saxon Street in Miles Platting, North Manchester.

The victim, who was celebrating her 77th birthday that day, said she heard a “loud bang” before she was confronted by three men who had smashed their way in through the patio door.

Detective Sergeant Terina Arthern of GMP’s North Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team said: “Of course, this incident will rightly cause concern in the local community and our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones as she continues to recover from this ordeal.

“Understandably, the victim, who is also an elderly woman, is now terrified and fearful within her own home.

“On what should have been a day of celebration for her 77th birthday and Christmas Eve, she was confronted by three unknown males who shockingly stripped away her personal belongings from her own home.”

Saxon Street, Miles Platting (Image: Google Maps)

According to police, one of the men forced the elderly victim to stay in the kitchen with him while the other two searched the house.

The men, all described as wearing all-black clothing with black hats, took the elderly woman’s handbag containing £50 in cash, her bank card, bus pass, and various personal items.

The man who stood with the victim in the kitchen was estimated to be around 6 feet tall, wearing a black hat, jacket, trousers, and gloves.

The elderly woman immediately contacted the police and officers are now appealing to the public for information.

They are particularly interested in gathering CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could aid in identifying and locating those responsible.

Officers also want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity in the area.

DS Arthern said: “Our officers are continuing to provide support to the victim and her loved ones, offering reassurance and tailored assistance to ensure she regains a sense of safety and security.

“I also want to provide some further reassurance to the community that we’re doing all we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as soon as possible and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

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“We are appealing to the public in the local area who may have seen suspicious activity around the time of the incident as your information may be vital in locating the offenders.

“If you were in the vicinity of Saxon Street, just off Bradford Road in Manchester, and witnessed any suspicious behaviour by the described men or a vehicle acting strangely in the vicinity, we urge you to come forward.

“Even the smallest piece of information, whether from doorbell footage, CCTV recordings, or eyewitness accounts, may help us piece together the events before and after this shocking incident.”

Anyone with any information can call police on 0161 856 3955 or 101 quoting log 2411 of 24/12/2023.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.