A THIEF who tricked a vulnerable elderly man and then stole from him is being hunted by police.

The incident happened last Wednesday in Whitby when a man in his 80s was followed as he walked from a friend’s house on Helredale Road to his home address on Corners Terrace, between 6pm and 7pm.

A car drew alongside him and the driver engaged him in conversation while on Church Street before parking outside the Fleece pub, also on Church Street.

The suspect got out of his car saying that he wanted to borrow £15 to buy his mother some groceries, telling the elderly man, who walks with the aid of two sticks, that she was an acquaintance of his.

The elderly man invited the suspect into his home where he was distracted and his Post Office ‘cash card’ was taken from his wallet.

Police want to talk to anyone who saw the two men talking on Church Street or can provide details regarding the white/grey vehicle parked outside the pub.

  • Contact 101, select option two and ask for Mike Cope or email michael.cope@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk