A REWARD is being offered to help catch an antiques thief who left an 86-year-old pensioner stranded in another town.

The old man, from Padiham, was found wandering and lost in Accrington.

The crook called at the old man's home in Lawrence Street, Padiham, said he was offering carpets for sale and forced his way into the house.

He took antiques from a display cabinet offering to buy them and then told a story about how his crippled wife would like to see them.

The man was persuaded to go outside to a white Ford Transit van where he saw a young boy inside. He was then driven to Oswaldtwistle.

The thief and his victim got out, but the pensioner was given the slip. When he returned, the van had gone. He was later found wandering around Accrington. Stolen were a Japanese loving cup in eggshell china and a stoneware coffee pot.

The thief was white, in his early 50s, large build, round face, medium length brown tidy hair. The boy was aged between eight and 12.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward. Anyone with information can ring in anonymity on 0800 555111.

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