Door-to-door pedlars who are preying on elderly residents in the Maldon district have been slammed by police and the charity, Age Concern.

In the latest incident an 82-year-old Burnham man handed over £70 cash for goods worth only around £5.

The pensioner later discovered £180 was missing from his home.

"They are preying on the old and vulnerable and it's a nasty offence," said Detective Constable Carl Oldfield, who appealed to the public for help.

Letters have been sent to pensioners in the Burnham area. Maldon District Council chief executive, Tony Plumridge, who sits on the Maldon Crime Reduction Panel, said it was certainly one of the issues the council would be addressing in a Secure Yourself exhibition aimed at the elderly from March 29-April 1.

Maldon Age Concern chairman, David Joughin, said such incidents can leave the elderly feeling angry and bring them close to collapse.

"We impress on our elderly folk they should put the chain up before they open the door and always insist on seeing people's authority and identification," he said.

In the Burnham incident on Friday the elderly man bought household goods from a man who was selling door to door.

A second man arrived and said he had lost a ring. After he had gone the pensioner discovered his wallet was missing, along with £180.

"We have spoken to a neighbour who had also spent around £30 on similar goods," said DC Oldfield. "I would be very interested to speak to anyone who saw these men selling in Burnham on or around that day.

"If people get pedlars at their door they should contact police and we will check them out."

The first man is described as white, aged 20 to 30, thick set with a local accent. The second man is of medium build with a London accent, aged 25 to 30. One may have worn a hat.

If you can help contact DC Oldfield on 01245 320333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Police have received information after a This Is Essex appeal last week following the theft of hundreds of pounds from an 84-year-old Burnham woman by bogus officials.

Anyone else who can help on this incident is asked to contact Burnham police on 01621 782121.

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