Bogus callers are using a new scam to trick their way into the homes of elderly people in Chelmsford.
In two separate incidents on Saturday, men told two elderly that they were care workers who had come to see how they were.
An 89-year-old woman discovered a man in her home in The Dell, Great Baddow, at 2pm, after he walked into the premises while the front door was on the latch.
The man, described as white, aged in his 20s, 5ft 6ins tall, with brown eyes and short, dark hair, was wearing dark clothing and told the pensioner his name was Jonathan Ross and he was a care worked.
He said he wanted to look around her home and once he left, the woman realised £40 and a £10 gift voucher were missing.
At 4.50pm the same day in Galleywood Road, two men gained entry to sheltered housing accommodation and went into the flat of an 80-year-old woman, whose front door was open.
The woman pulled the alarm as soon as she saw the pair, despite them telling her they were care workers.
When she pulled the alarm they made their escape empty-handed through a fire door.
Both had Irish accents and short dark hair, with one being aged about 23, of a medium build, 6ft tall and clean shaven.
He was wearing a dark blue tracksuit and the other a dark grey tracksuit.
Anyone with any information on the incidents is asked to call Chelmsford CID on 01245 491212.
Published Wednesday January 14, 2004
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