Police are linking two incidents involving men calling at the homes of elderly people and asking for money for house repairs.
The first happened at 4pm on Wednesday at Straight Road, Colchester, when a male aged between 30 and 40 asked the residents for £15 for roof repairs.
The elderly couple told the man, who had dark hair and was wearing a suit and tie, to leave.
Half an hour later, a tall man described as having dark curly hair and wearing a black leather jacket, called at a house in Old Heath Road, Colchester.
He asked for £15 for replacing roof slates.
The man left without payment, but the elderly couple later discovered a purse containing £15 had been stolen.
Those who saw anyone acting suspiciously in these two roads should call Colchester Police on 01206 762212.
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