Police today warned householders to be on their guard against bogus callers after a man with a clipboard raided an elderly woman's home.

Crime prevention officers said they wanted to head off a possible outbreak of the attacks amid fears the man could strike again.

The elderly woman had a handbag containing £50 and a Nokia mobile phone stolen from her home when she was fooled into letting the smooth-talking trickster in. He told her he was an electricity official.

Police believe the crime was carefully planned.

The man, who was about 25, took along a clipboard and was smartly dressed.

PC Colin Mead, divisional crime prevention officer at Basildon police, said: "This was a despicable crime and we want to stamp it out.

"Vulnerable members of the public must be made aware of the danger they are in from this man."

Basildon was hit by a spate of bogus calls before Christmas.

Police say many of the attacks are well planned and householders should be careful of falling for smooth-talking strangers.

PC Mead said: "They do not go around with a sign saying 'I am a bogus caller'. They are not scruffy and some have ID."

Police have issued a checklist to try to prevent more people falling victim to the caller.

Always:

Look through the door peephole to see who is there

Check the caller's clothes - officials usually have a uniform and badge

Ask them for ID but check it thoroughly. Don't be afraid to take it off the caller

Become suspicious if they become agitated or say they are in a hurry.

Finally, police say if you are in doubt - leave them out.

PC Mead said: "If you are not sure after checking their ID ask them to come back later when you've got a friend there or call us."

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