An elderly woman managed to defeat two bogus callers as they tried to force their way into her Colchester home.
The strangers visited her in Lincoln Way and said they were from the council.
But the woman followed the "If in Doubt, Keep 'em Out" advice and refused to let the strangers in.
They persisted and tried to push her door open but she bravely fought back and managed to close it before they got in.
In another bogus call a woman in her 80s in Rose Avenue, Stanway, fell victim to the ploy and had hundreds of pounds stolen.
The caller said he was from the water board and that there was a leak. He was allowed in and took £300 and a pension book.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, gave descriptions and asked any witnesses to call police.
The men who struck at Lincoln Way drove off in a maroon vehicle.
One was white, stocky, about 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing a jumper.
The caller at Rose Avenue was white, aged 30 to 40 with a large build and was wearing a brown jumper.
Anyone with information about the calls, both on Friday, is asked to call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In a third call, at about 6pm on Friday, two strangers visited an elderly man's home in Wilbye Close, Shrub End, Colchester.
The men said they wanted to sell furniture but police think they may have been bogus callers.
The Evening Gazette's If In Doubt door stickers are available from Nina Butler on 01206 508207
Published Monday October 14, 2002
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