Police today renewed their warning to people not to let strangers into their homes, after bogus gas men searched an elderly woman's house.
The woman was left distressed after the incident at her home in Common Lane, Benfleet.
Acting Inspector Kevin Diable-White said: "The person turned up at her door saying he was from the gas board.
"She let him in, but when she looked round, a further three men were searching her premises. One was wearing a grey suit, the other a jacket, and all four were smartly dressed and spoke with funny accents.
"Once again we would appeal to people not to let anybody in unless they are sure of their identities."
Nothing appeared to have been stolen in the incident on Monday afternoon.
Published Wednesday November 19, 2003
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