AN elderly Bromsgrove woman was robbed after being duped by a conman claiming he worked for the council.

Police have issued a warning to other elderly residents following the incident, which happened between 2 and 2.30pm last Wednesday. The thief called at the house, in Bishop Hall Crescent, Charford, saying he was from the council and had come to check the pensioner's property.

He entered telling her to run the water in the kitchen and to call him if she noticed any unusual noises from the tap. The bogus workman searched her house and stole cash while she was distracted. The offender is white, in his 30s, 5ft 6in tall, has a medium build with short mousy hair. He was unshaven and was wearing an orange patterned shirt and jeans.

DC Jan Shelley, of Bromsgrove police, said: "Understandably this has caused great upset to the elderly victim, who is in her 80s. We are appealing for anyone who noticed anything that may be linked to the incident to call.

"We understand the offender walked off towards Lyttleton Avenue and if anyone recalls seeing him or a car they did not recognise on Wednesday afternoon, please get in touch."

Police also want people to encourage any vulnerable family members or neighbours to be vigilant.

Distraction burglars often claim to be from the council, police, water board or other utility company, or say they are working nearby.

They can be convincing and police advice is to check their identification, but if in doubt, keep them out.

West Mercia Police has a specialist team to investigate such incidents and target suspects and known offenders.

Andrew Burton, head of legal and democratic services at Bromsgrove District Council, said: "All members of staff who go out on visits carry identification cards with pictures attached and some have business cards.

"However, we urge anyone who is in doubt about the caller to ring the Council House on 01527 873232 to check before letting them into their home."