A team of bogus plumbers have targeted elderly residents in Colchester.
Among the victims of the cruel thieves, who tricked their way into homes by claiming they were working on blocked drains, was a 96-year-old man.
And another elderly man, who lives in Ladbrook Drive, Old Heath, had about £600 taken by a caller who searched his bedroom.
Two men called at his home saying they were from the water board.
While one of them distracted him by asking him to turn on the taps in his bathroom, his accomplice searched for money to steal.
The same team is believed to have been responsible for a visit to a 96-year-old who let them into his home in Hedge Drive, Shrub End.
His bedroom was searched after a caller said he was checking the drains.
The man told police he saw a clean-shaven man who was aged about 30 and 5ft 9in tall with short fair hair.
He was wearing a dark bomber-style jacket with dark trousers and light-coloured trainers.
Three men called at an elderly woman's home in Oaklands Avenue in Stanway, also giving the story that they were dealing with a blocked drain.
All three were tall, white and wearing navy anoraks. Two had dark hair while the third had light hair.
Information about yesterday's incidents to Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Thursday, January 23, 2003
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