A bogus policeman who hounded Wickford's vulnerable old folk last year has returned to the town.

The man tried to prey on an elderly woman living in Wick Lane, and this time he had false identification to back up his claims.

Fortunately the pensioner turned him away, but police today said they were concerned that the crook is back and targeting Wickford again.

The man managed to get away with around £400 in October by using a counterfeit money ruse.

He knocked on the doors of residents - most of them trusting and elderly - demanding to check their banknotes for forgeries.

When they handed over cash he said he had to take it to the police station to check it and made off.

In the latest incident the man tried to trick an 89-year-old woman by claiming he was a police officer investigating a robbery in Shotgate.

He then insisted that he be allowed to search her house and showed the woman some ID.

She was told that if she didn't open the door he would get more officers with a search warrant to knock it down.

However, he failed to scare the woman, who refused to let him inside by keeping her door chained. The trickster was forced to leave empty handed.

PC Geoff Whiter, Wickford police's community liaison officer, said the woman did the right thing.

He advised people to get chains fitted if they do not already have them.

PC Whiter added: "We are very concerned that this man is once again in the area.

"If someone says they are a police officer and you are not happy, call us and we will be happy to check."

He added police did not know what ID the conman was displaying but said Essex Police identification cards were distinctive.

They feature a photograph of the officer along with his full name and number, an Essex crest hologram and braille on the back to help the blind.

The conman is white, aged 25 to 30 and 5ft 8in tall.

He had short brown wavy hair and wore a dark jacket and trousers.

Anyone with information should call Wickford police on 01268 561312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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