Pensioners have been left "traumatised" after a bogus water board official searched their homes and stole money.

Six pensioners, who all live alone, were targeted during a string of incidents in the Harwich area.

One victim, an 84-year-old woman, bruised her arm in the confusion as she helplessly watched the conman searching her sideboard.

Det Con Bill Teatheredge, of Harwich police, said there may have been just one hoaxer or possibly two working as a team.

He said all the victims were traumatised and branded the thieves "the lowest of the low".

Detectives from Suffolk, Colchester and the Tendring division met up yesterday to discuss strategies for dealing with such incidents, which are on the increase.

Monday evening's incidents were:

Between 4.30pm - 5.30pm, a man called at a 92-year-old woman's home in Elizabeth Road, Dovercourt, posing as a water board official.

She allowed him in but became suspicious and he left empty-handed.

The caller had an Irish accent, was between 5ft 11ins and 6ft, with swept back hair and a dark jacket.

at 5.30pm - 6pm, a bogus water board official called at a house in Marine Parade, Dovercourt, and stole a 63-year-old woman's purse containing £10.

He was aged about 22, about 5ft 9ins tall, with short curly hair and a light bomber jacket.

At 6.30pm, a man pushed his way into the home of an 84-year-old woman in Stourview Close, Mistley, searching her sideboard as she stood by. Nothing was stolen.

He was aged between 20 and 30, stockily-built, about 5ft 4ins, with short light brown hair, and a khaki woollen jacket

At 6.45pm, a man searched the kitchen and living room of an 80-year-old man in Ironside Walk, Manningtree, as the victim watched. He stole a blue tin containing £250 cash

Around 7pm, suspicious callers were reported in Waldegrave Way, Lawford

Between 5pm and 11.45pm an empty house in the road was entered and £50 cash belonging to a 68-year-old householder stolen.

Det Con Teatheredge urged anyone with information to contact him at Harwich Police Station on 01255 241312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

He stressed genuine callers will have identification and that if householders have any suspicions they should immediately ring the police.

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