Gangs of tricksters plaguing the elderly in Chelmsford are now targeting the blind and hard of hearing.

People in their 80s and 90s, mostly women, are the victims.

There are about six similar crimes a week and, at times, police have been investigating as many as three incidents a day.

In one afternoon, the Mildmay Road area was targeted by a gang of three. An 82-year-old blind woman was tricked and had more than £20 stolen from her purse, and a woman in her 80s had £70 taken from her purse.

One of the con men involved was described as well-spoken and about 5ft 5in tall, with dark hair. He was wearing a beige jumper.

Another elderly woman was a victim in the Moulsham Lodge area around 1pm on Saturday, when doorsteppers eased their way in and stole two purses and a box containing her hearing aid.

The two latest incidents were on Monday. This time the bogus callers claimed to be water officials. At about 5.20pm, a doorstep caller in the Waterhouse Lane area said that he had been called out by the council and wanted to check a sink. The quick-thinking woman resident refused to let him in and dialled 999.

"She did exactly the right thing," said Inspector Gary Coxhead, of Chelmsford police. The caller was described as aged between 24 and 28, about 5ft 3in tall and of medium build. He had mid-brown hair and was wearing a beige windcheater.

At 7pm, a bogus water official in the Melbourne area talked his way in, but apparently nothing was stolen. He was described as aged about 30, about 5ft 6in tall, with dark hair. He spoke with an Irish accent and was wearing a grey tunic.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01245 491212, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .

By Fred Hammerton

Reporter's e-mail: fred.hammerton@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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