A bogus water board official conned a man in his 90s into letting him into his Colchester home.
Once inside, the stranger turned on taps as a distraction while an accomplice searched upstairs, leaving jewellery dumped on a bed.
Police were called about 15 minutes after the bogus callers had left the man's home in Margaret Road and he realised what had happened.
A Colchester police spokesman issued a description of the caller and urged people to be vigilant so they do not fall victim to similar cons.
The caller was described as white, 30 to 40 years old, about 5ft 10ins tall, with a medium build and was wearing an anorak.
Anyone with information about the artifice burglary, reported at about 12.40pm on Tuesday, should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, February 10, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article