Cash was stolen from the home of an elderly Whittington woman who was tricked into letting thieves into her house.

Detectives believe two or three men conned their way into the victim’s home in Walsham How Crescent.

One of them knocked on the door and claimed he was from a nearby pub, that there had been an explosion and he needed to check her water supply. 

When she allowed him inside, he kept her distracted in the kitchen. Police believe a second man – and possibly a third – entered and searched her home.

Detective Constable Andy Mayne said: “The man who knocked on the door is described as white, in his 20s or 30s and was wearing a dark bomber jacket made of a silky material that had a logo on it. He may also have been wearing a baseball cap.”

Anyone with information about the burglary, which took place between about 5.20pm and 5.45pm on Tuesday, is asked to call police on 08457 444888.

Mr Mayne today urged people not to be taken in by anybody knocking at their door and claiming they needed to come in. 

“Some cold callers may be from genuine companies, but many are not and will try any number of stories to try and get inside,” he said. 

“The most common story is that they are from the water board, which has not existed for many years, or that for some reason they need to come inside and check your water supply.”