A bogus caller stole more than £600 in cash after tricking an elderly woman at her home.

The crime has prompted South Worcestershire Police to appeal to friends, relatives and neighbours of elderly and vulnerable people to remind them not to let strangers into their homes or hand over money on demand.

"Periodically - but, thankfully, rarely - elderly and vulnerable residents are preyed on by unscrupulous opportunist criminals who have no compunction about taking advantage of the trust and goodwill of their victims," said a police spokesman.

Police believe friends and relatives can play a vital role in ensuring elderly people's safety.

"Reminding the elderly and vulnerable to be vigilant is an on-going but very necessary undertaking and the more members of the community who can assist in doing so the better," the spokesman said.

The incident in Malvern happened at about 3pm yesterday. A man tricked his way into a house in Bredon Grove, after convincing the elderly woman resident she owed him £80 for earlier work in the garden.

The woman paid the money because she was convinced by his story, but more cash was taken when the caller lured her outside and then made an excuse to re-enter the address on his own.

He is described as white and tall, with sharp features. He wore a white baseball cap and a Thorn three-quarter-length jacket and drove a small, white Bedford van.

If anyone recognises his description - or saw anything suspicious in the Bredon Grove area at around the given time - they are urged to contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 143S/240108. Information can also be provided - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.