A YOUTH stole £3,000 from an elderly woman after he called at her home and asked for a glass of water.

The burglary happened when the thief, believed to be in his late teens or early 20s and white, went to the woman's house in Springhill Rise, Bewdley, at about 3.30pm on Monday.

He initially inquired about a Rover car for sale before asking for a drink, which she fetched.

After he had gone the pensioner noticed her handbag - containing £3,000 in cash, a pension book and a building society book - was missing.

It is not known whether she invited him into the house.

PC Andy Hill said: "This incident has been very distressing to the woman. We would like to remind people never to allow a stranger to enter your home.

"If they claim to be on official business check their identity with their company before you let them in."

The Shuttle/Times & News-backed Keep 'Em Out campaign aims to curb the rise in these "distraction raids" by offering practical help to deter would-be thieves.

And free door reminder systems - which play pre-recorded advice to residents about to answer the door on how to deal with strangers - are up for grabs as part of the campaign.

To apply for one of the hi-tech devices worth £15 contact PC Hill or Sgt Jeff Hill at Kidderminster Police Station on 08457 444 888.

Anyone with information about Monday's burglary can contact Kidderminster Police on the same number.