Police believe there may be three gangs, one with a pregnant woman, who have carried out a series of cons on the very elderly, mostly women, in mid-Essex.

Since July 17 there have been at least seven incidents in the Chelmsford area alone, while Essex has recorded over 200 since the beginning of the year.

The gangs always target elderly pensioners.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of cash and property has been stolen by tricksters, one of whom claims to be a police crime prevention officers and and suggests hiding places for cash before stealing it himself.

The doorstep criminals claim to be roofers, gardeners, tarmacers and now police officers. Sometimes they only apparently want a glass of water.

A 93-year-old woman has become a repeat victim by the same gang.

One victim was an 85-year-old woman in Sunrise Avenue, Chelmsford, who was tricked by the skinny visitor who stole £40 cash and is described as aged between 20 and 30 and about 5ft 4in tall.

Kathy Payne, Chelms-ford Police Crime Reduction Officer said a pregnant woman was among one of the gangs.

She once again asked anyone who is visited by a door step caller to ask for identity and if they are suspicious dial 999.

She added: ''If neighbours of the elderly see anyone suspicious they can also help us by noting vehicle registration numbers and descriptions.''

She said Chelmsford Borough Council's Home Safety Depart-ment could help with door chains and viewers. If anyone want prevention advice they can contact Kathy Payne on Chelmsford 491212.

Police are investigating another two incidents.

In one, the man, about 6ft 3ins tall wearing a black tee shirt and blue jeans called at the house in Longmeads Close, Writtle, about 5pm on Monday.

The occupant, in her 70's, was asked for directions to Long Brandocks, Writtle, which she gave.

About two hours later, the same man called asking her for £2 but he told him she did not have any money.

If anyone saw the man they are asked to contact police on Chelmsford 491212.

In the second incident, about 1.05pm on Wednesday, a man in a black suit walked in the back door of an 86-year-old male pensioner's house in Patching Hall Lane and said he had replaced roof tiles and wanted £25.

The pensioner handed over the cash and then the trickster asked the pensioner to walk outside and inspect the work.

While he was outside the con man stole the pensioner's wallet containing £100.

By Fred Hammerton

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

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