A 90-YEAR-OLD woman has been left ‘very shaken’ after a bogus official stole £300 from her home.

The conman struck in Chatburn and police are now warning elderly residents to be extra vigilant and not to let strangers into their homes without proper identification.

The elderly woman was targeted between 11am and 3pm on Monday when a man knocked on the door of her house stating that he was from the water board.

The victim let the man into her house as he said he needed to conduct some water tests.

After he left she discovered that £300 had been stolen from her home.

Sergeant Conrad Tapp, geographic co-ordinator for Ribble Valley police said: “The elderly woman has been left very shaken by this callous crime.

“It is important people remain vigilant and look out for the older members of the community.

“I would warn elderly people not to let anyone into their home.

“A genuine caller will always attend by appointment and carry identification. If you ever have any doubts as to whether a caller is genuine, or you don’t feel comfortable with the situation, don’t let them in.”

Police would like to speak to members of the community who might have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in and around Downham Road on Monday or over the weekend.

Sgt Tapp, added: “This type of offence is uncommon but unfor-tunately does occur on occasion.

“Police are pursuing lines of inquiry to try and identify and apprehend the person responsible for this heinous crime committed against a frail, vulnerable elderly occupant.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference number- EN0901189.