Elderly women have again been targeted by burglars who have conned their way into homes.

One 86-year-old woman was offered help by a man who carried her shopping bags to her home on Feeches Road, Westcliff.

He claimed he was from the gas board and once inside her home he distracted the pensioner while an accomplice searched the house and stole an envelope containing £294 at 10.15am on Saturday.

In another incident, a man knocked on the door of an 81-year-old woman claiming he lived to the back of her house and was looking for a kitten.

She allowed him into her home on Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend, and while she took him to the garden an accomplice took £167. Anyone with information should call police on 01702 431212.

Published Tuesday January 13, 2004

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