A CALLOUS conman named The Watchman, who has evaded justice for five years, has struck in Huddersfield.
He targeted a couple in their Milnsbridge home - a blind man of 89 and his 93-year-old wife.
Now detectives hunting the conman are communicating with other forces across the north of England.
They believe the thief is responsible for a series of similar offences over the past five years.
In many of the cases, he has used a ruse about a watch needing repair - hence the name The Watchman.
The man called at the couple's home in Radcliffe Road, Milnsbridge, about 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday claiming to know the 89-year-old man, who is blind.
Police said he told the couple he had some personal details about them and asked about a watch he claimed had needed repairs.
The woman, who had answered the door, turned and the man followed her back inside.
He asked the woman if she was able to offer change for large denomination notes to pay for the repairs but when she opened a wardrobe and took out a wallet, he grabbed it as she turned her back.
The man fled from the house with what was believed to be a large amount of cash.
Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield Police, said: "We believe this to the one of a series of offences committed by a man known as The Watchman over the past five years in the North of England.
"We are liaising with the forces as these type of crime are despicable.
"For someone to target elderly victims is truly appalling."
Anyone with information about the offence should contact Det Con George Bardell of Huddersfield CID on 01484 436685.
