AN elderly Redditch couple have had a large amount of cash stolen after they were targeted by a conman posing as a water board official.

The theft happened at about 2pm last Monday at a house in Patch Lane, Oakenshaw.

A man called at the house claiming he was from the water board and said there was a problem with water pressure in the area.

The male occupant asked for some identification and was briefly shown a card of some description but did not pick it up to look at it closely.

When inside the house, the man went into the kitchen and bathroom and asked the couple to turn on the taps and empty the cupboard under the sink.

It is thought a second man then entered the house and stole a large quantity of cash.

DC Brian Davies said: "We are starting to get the message through to older people to ask for identification but they must look closely and not let anyone in until they are happy they are legitimate.

"This may include ringing the police or relevant authorities. All genuine callers will be happy to wait while people make a phone call."

DC Davies added: "It is apparent many elderly people have security chains fitted to their doors but fail to use them when they have strange callers."

The description of the bogus caller is a white man, 20-30 years old, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, of slim build with fairish-coloured hair. He was wearing trousers and a shirt.

Anyone with information can call Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.