AN ELDERLY woman allowed a couple into her Southend home who then stole money from her.

The burglary happened in Scratton Road when an 83-year-old woman answered her front door to a man claiming to be from the Water Board at about 1pm on Wednesday November 18.

He went into her bathroom to “check something" and a few minutes later, a woman knocked at the door and also came indoors.

The homeowner later found about £80 missing from her handbag.

Investigating Officer, Pc Hannah Notley, said: “At this time of year we tend to see an increase in distraction burglaries such as these. We are keen to get the message across, especially to elderly and vulnerable members of our community, not to allow unexpected visitors inside your home.

“There is no such thing any more as the ‘water board’ – this is an old fashioned term that fraudsters use as it’s familiar to older people along with ‘gas board’ or ‘electricity board’, "Also, if there were to be an emergency with the water supply, unless under rare circumstances via prior arrangement with your water provider, work would be carried out outside a property and there would never be a need to check the taps."

PC Notley advised homeowners to always ask for identification if someone knocks at their door.

She said: "Anyone genuine will be happy to wait outside while you phone the relevant company and check their identity. If you live alone, again anyone genuine will be happy to wait until a trusted friend or relative can join you before you let them in.”

The man was described as white and in his late 20s or early 30s while the woman was white, of large build and of a similar age range.

Anyone who is approached by these people or has information relating to this burglary is urged to contact officers from the burglary squad at Southend police station on 0300 333 4444.