A pensioner was tricked out of more than £300 in a what police are calling a "despicable" crime.

The 67-year-old disabled victim found a man in his home in Windmill Road, Bradfield, who told him he was from the water board. The thief told the elderly man he had come to check his water supply and asked him to run his taps to see if there was a leak.

Insp Alan Beckett, of Clacton police, said the bogus caller was thought to have got in through an insecure door. The thief is thought to have been about 18-years-old with fair hair. He was wearing jeans and a striped jumper.

Anyone with information should call Clacton police on 01255 221312

Published Monday December 15, 2003

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