Police today condemned a "low" conman who stole nearly £100 in cash from a woman in her nineties.

Officers appealed for information to help them catch the thief, who tricked his vulnerable victim by posing as a plumber.

The man called at the 91-year-old's home in Daniell Drive, Shrub End, Colchester, at about 2.15pm on Monday.

He asked her to lead him to the kitchen, where he turned off the stopcock and told her to fill up a bucket with water.

He then left the room, assuring the woman he would be back shortly, but did not return.

She later found her handbag, containing £90, had been stolen from the lounge.

  • Anyone with information should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
  • The Gazette's If In Doubt Keep Em Out campaign aims to stop distraction burglaries by urging elderly and vulnerable residents not to let unidentified strangers into their home.

Genuine utility company workers rarely call unexpectedly, and will always be able to produce identification and contact details for their organisation.