A CALLOUS thief stole an elderly woman's Christmas present from her Headless Cross home after posing as a milkman.

Police are investigating the distraction type burglary which occurred at about 3.30pm on Friday, December 15 on Evesham Road.

The woman went to make a cup of tea in her kitchen when she discovered a man who then asked her for the milk money.

Police said the woman did not recognise him as her usual milkman but thought he may have been helping out for the day.

The woman went into another room to get her purse but when she got back the man had gone.

She later discovered a large envelope containing a scarf and shawl, had been opened and the contents taken.

DC Brian Davies, of Redditch CID, said: Please ensure your doors are always locked as this person walked in and it was only because the woman went to make a cup of tea that she found the man in her house.

Anyone who saw this man in the Headless Cross area or has any information that would assist the police in this enquiry is asked to contact Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The man was described as white, average build, aged about 35, 5ft 6ins tall, with fair coloured short hair and a clean complexion.

He had no noticeable accent and was possibly wearing fawn-coloured overalls.

Police have warned townsfolk, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable, to be extra vigilant about security.