Detectives from GMP's Oldham Criminal Investigation Department are investigating several aggravated burglaries in Oldham which they believe are linked.
Between January – March, there have been four incidents, as well as further incident in October where victims have been targeted in a similar way with the alleged offender attempting to or gaining entry to their properties before demanding they hand over bank cards and pins.
Officers have now released a short video of a man they wish to speak to in connection with their investigation.
It is believe the alleged offender may have also changed his appearance as the victims described him as having facial hair and also speaking with a foreign accent.
The incidents officers believe are linked are as follows:
- 27 January 2026: Beech Avenue, Oldham
- 11 February 2026: Roman Road, Oldham
- 15 February 2026: Mellalieu Street, Royton
- 16 March 2026: High Barn Street, Royton
- 30 October 2026: Church Walk, Royton
Detective Inspector Terina Arthern, who is leading the investigation said: “We are investigating a series of burglaries we believe are linked which has seen an offender target elderly and vulnerable people for his own financial gain.
“During some of the incidents, victims were left scared in their own homes – targeted for their bank cards and forced to hand over their pin numbers. The alleged offender has then gone on to withdraw sums of money using their cards.
"Two of the incidents saw the victims subjected to serious assaults with another seeing a vulnerable couple being threatened with knives. This shows a dangerous escalation in his offending and he must be stopped.
“All of the victims in these incidents have been through a terrifying ordeal, and they have been safeguarded by specially trained officers.
“We absolutely will not tolerate people who target our communities in this way and leave them scared in their own homes. Your home is your sanctuary and you should feel safe. Our officers have been working tirelessly exploring all lines of enquiry from CCTV footage to witness accounts as well as collecting forensic evidence in a bid to identify this offender.
“We are now asking our communities for help in bringing this offender to justice. The footage we have released is of a man we urgently need to speak with as part of our enquiries. We believe he holds vital information in relation to this investigation and are urging him to come forward.
“We understand the concerns that incidents of this nature will cause the local community, especially those that are vulnerable however I’d like to reassure you that our investigation is progressing at pace. Extra officers will be deployed in the local area so please speak to them if you have any concerns.
“Anyone who believes they have information that can assist with our investigation, please come forward and report it to us.
“You can call our office in confidence on 0161 856 9577, quoting the log number 2908 of 30/10/2026. Information can also be submitted online at www.gmp.police.uk
“Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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