Police are warning residents to be on their guard after two bogus callers targeted the elderly.

The bogus callers tricked their way into the homes of elderly people in Colchester and Stanway, stealing cash and property and leaving their victims upset and distressed.

They claimed to be builders or contractors working on a building site and may have contaminated the water supply.

They said they needed to check the home to see if it was affected.

While one distracted the elderly owners of the homes, in Wickham Road, Colchester, and Holly Road, Stanway, the second man searched the home stealing cash and other property.

DC Lee Pollard, of Colchester CID, said the incidents had left the occupants upset and distressed that they were tricked by the men in such a callous way.

He added: "Don't let anyone into your home without checking their identity. Don't let these people into your home and phone the police."

The men are described as both white, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins and wearing overalls. One is aged about 28 with dark brown hair brushed forward and spoke very quickly with an accent.

The second is aged 18 to 20 with fair hair.

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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