A bogus caller preyed on an elderly deaf woman by claiming to be a carer.

Witham police are now appealing for information after the 85-year-old woman was duped into letting the woman in and she stole hundreds of pounds.

The 85-year-old woman, who is deaf, answered the door to her home in Homefield Road, Witham, at about 6pm to a woman claiming to be from home help.

She got into the woman's home and left after spending a short time there.

The elderly woman then discovered her purse and £300 cash were missing and raised the alarm.

The bogus caller is described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, of stocky build with straight hair and about 5ft 7ins tall.

She also wore glasses and had a white blouse and white trousers on.

Anyone with information on the incident, on Thursday, or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, is asked to contact Witham police on 01376 501212.

Published Monday August 9, 2004

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