Bogus workman preyed on woman, 81, in her own home

The 81-year-old was at her home in Eastmoor when a man knocked on her door and told her the trees in her garden needed cutting.

She agreed for him to do the work but he then came back and asked for a drink of water.

As she went to get the water the man snatched her purse from the living room and left the house on Parkgate Avenue.

The incident happened at around 6pm on Wednesday, November 12.

Insp Ian Williams said: “This was an opportunist distraction burglary at the house of an elderly woman.

“I would urge people to look after their elderly neighbours and to be more intrusive and enquire more if they see people doing work on their homes.

“The community needs to pull together and help warn people of the dangers of bogus tradesmen.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.