A CONMAN tricked his way into the home of an elderly woman by claiming to be investigating a water leak before stealing her purse.

The man knocked on the front and rear door of the 85-year-old woman’s home in Queensway, Chatteris, at around 1.15pm yesterday.

He claimed there had been a water leak on a neighbouring estate and asked to be let in. The woman allowed the man to enter her home and he looked under her sink and in her bathroom before leaving.

A short while later the victim discovered her purse, containing cards and a small amount of cash, had been stolen.

The burglar was described as white, 25 to 30, 5ft 10in, and wearing a dark blue boiler suit and a fluorescent jacket.

Det Insp Jon McAdam said: “This is a despicable crime committed against an elderly and vulnerable victim and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Police have reminded residents to be on guard to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a distraction burglary. They’ve also urged all home-owners to check identification cards before allowing anyone suspicious into their property.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact DI McAdam on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.