Police today hit out at a crafty doorstep scam which involved using a ten-year-old child to distract a homeowner.

The shocking incident happened in Westwood Close, Benfleet, where the female homeowner, who does not wish to be identified, was in her kitchen.

Jason Sculthorpe, Castle Point's crime reduction officer, said: "There was a knock on the door and when the woman answered she was faced with a boy about ten years of age.

"The boy said he had accidentally kicked his ball over into the woman's back garden and would be grateful if she would let him go and get it."

The woman accompanied the boy into the garden where he picked up his ball and she walked him out of the premises.

Only after the boy had left did she realise her mobile phone and credit cards had been stolen.

Mr Sculthorpe said: "It is clear the boy was used as a distraction while another person crept into the house to steal items."

The boy was described as having black hair with a fringe and wearing a navy blue jumper.

Anyone with any information about the incident, which happened on Saturday at 1.30pm, should contact Benfleet police on 01268 756221.

Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003