Police have warned people to beware of thieves posing as window cleaners in the Clacton area after a man made off with a haul of cash from a pensioner.

Officers received four calls from distressed elderly residents who found a man in their homes.

When challenged by them, he said that he had come to clean the windows - then quickly left the premises.

Although he was forced to flee empty-handed on three occasions, he did get away with cash and keys from a woman who was deaf and partially-sighted.

Det Con Del Smith said in all four cases the people concerned had left their doors open because of the hot weather.

"We are not sure at this stage if it was one thief - or different people at various addresses as the descriptions do not quite tie up," he said.

"But it does appear there is someone, or a gang, preying on the elderly and taking advantage of the warm conditions."

Three of the homes were in Clacton - at Uplands Court, Knox Road and Groom Park - while the fourth was at Cumberland Court in Holland-on-Sea.

All four incidents were reported between 10.30am and 11.10am yesterday (Monday).

"We are obviously linking these - despite the differences in the description of the man - as in all the cases the intruder claimed to be a window cleaner," he added.

The best dscription police can put together is of a white male, in his early 20s and wearing dark clothing.

Insp Pat Byford said people should be aware of leaving doors and windows open despite the heat as it presented an open invitation to thieves.

She asked anyone else who had been approached or saw suspicious activity near their home to contact police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.