A BOGUS caller has stolen more than £600 in cash after tricking an elderly woman at her Malvern home.

The incident happened at about 3pm on Thursday.

A man tricked his way into a house in Bredon Grove, after convincing the woman she owed him £80 for work done in her 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.

The incident 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.

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

Anyone with information should contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 143S/240108 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Advice and guidance on how to prevent distraction burglaries is available by calling 08457 444 888 or visiting www.westmercia.police.uk