Police last night warned householders in Norwich to be on the alert for a bogus official who stole cash after conning his way into an old man's home. The man, claiming to be from the council, gained entry to the house in Unthank Road, Norwich yesterday and stole the money while the occupant was distracted.

Police last night warned householders in Norwich to be on the alert for a bogus official who stole cash after conning his way into an old man's home.

The man, claiming to be from the council, gained entry to the house in Unthank Road, Norwich yesterday and stole the money while the occupant was distracted.

Police say that at about 10am the offender walked into the property through an unlocked door and found the man in bed in the front room. He then claimed he was from the council and was visiting the house to check the water.

He asked the householder to accompany him into the kitchen and bathroom to run the taps and then made the excuse that he needed to leave to make a phone call. After his departure, the householder found the cash had been stolen from a desk.

The offender was white, of slim build, and about 5ft 8ins tall with short black hair. He had a fair complexion and was wearing a white open-necked shirt and dark trousers.

Police are keen to speak to any other householders who may have been approached by this man or anyone who may have seen a man answering this description in the city.

A similar attempt to steal items from a property was made between 10.30am and 11am yesterday in Douro Place. The offenders entered the property claiming to be from the water board and searched a bedroom but left empty-handed.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to remind householders to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on any vulnerable neighbours."

Anyone with information this latest incident should contact Det Con Ivan Burrows at Norwich CID on 0845 4564567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.