Police today warned Canvey residents to watch out for con artists pretending to be repairmen in the wake of the weekend's storm.
The warning comes after an elderly couple were duped by two men who knocked at their home in Heideburg Road, next to the old Kings nightclub, and said they were carrying out roof repairs.
After gaining the husband's trust, one of the "repair" men coaxed him outside to assist with scanning the roof for damage, while the other trickster made his way into the house.
A Canvey police spokesperson said: "One man kept the male victim occupied while his accomplice went inside and stole a purse.
"The male victim's wife, who is disabled, was left helpless indoors and knew nothing about what happened, it was only later that they noticed the purse had gone."
Anyone with information on this crime, which happened on Monday, or any other similar crime is asked to call Canvey police on 01268 511212.
Published Thursday October 31, 2002
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