A DISTRACTION burglar drank tea with his elderly victim after stealing £200 from her handbag.

The man initially offered to cut trees in the victim’s back garden in Tolladine Road on Monday.

Although the victim did not authorise the unknown caller to do the work, she offered him a drink.

It was while she was in the kitchen that he took the money from by her bed, which was downstairs. But, it was not until the man had drunk the tea and left, that the kind-hearted victim realised that she was a victim of distraction burglary, said a police spokesman.

A police spokesman said: “Fortunately, this type of crime is extremely rare in Worcester, but no-one should ever take callers at face-value.

"It is important that everyone - particularly the frail, the elderly and the vulnerable - make sure they don’t ever let anyone into their home unless they are 100 per cent sure that they know who they are and can be trusted.

“Residents should remember to always ask for proper identity details and check telephone numbers.

"Ideally, they should ask the caller to come back when a friend, neighbour or relative will be present,” he added.

The man is described as white, in his early 30s, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, of medium build and clean-shaven with short, dark brown hair. There is no description of his clothing.

Anyone with information about the incident - which happened at around 1.40pm - or who believes they recognise the description, is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 342S/241108.

Information can also be given - anonymously and free-of-charge - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.