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AN 81-year-old woman was kept chatting by a conman, while his accomplice sneaked into her bedroom and stole personal belongings and cash.

The elderly victim was in the front garden of her home in Thorpe Dene Gardens, Shoebury, when a man stopped to ask for directions.

As she obliged, a second man went through a sidegate and a patio door to get into her home.

He went to her bedroom, where he grabbed her handbag and rifled through the contents, taking personal documents and £100. He dumped the handbag in the woman's kitchen, before escaping.

The victim discovered the theft and called police in a state of shock.

Lorna Watson, crime reduction officer for Southend and Rochford, is keen to stress the importance of securing property in the hotter months.

She said: "It's always very sad and distressing when this happens.

"Now we have the warmer weather coming people are spending more time in their gardens and they must beware of distraction burglars who often work in pairs."

The man who asked the victim for directions was white, aged between 35 and 40, about 5ft 7ins tall, slim, clean shaven with fair hair. He was wearing a multi-coloured bandana and a beige top.

Call Shoebury police station on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

2:56pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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