LORNA MARSH An elderly woman was left shaken after having more than £3,000 taken by men posing as council workers at her home.

LORNA MARSH

An elderly woman was left shaken after having more than £3,000 taken by men posing as council workers at her home.

The 74-year-old woman became the latest victim of distraction burglars in Norfolk when the men called at her home in Appleyard Crescent, Norwich, shortly after 2pm on Monday.

One of the culprits told her he was from the council and was carrying out work in the area while another man entered her property and stole the cash.

The incident comes just days after distraction thieves stole £3,500 from an 82-year-old widow in Middleton, near King's Lynn, who had saved the money up for her husband's funeral.

Elderly householders are warned by police to be on their guard for similar incidents and members of the public who have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour or relative should be vigilant.

Officers said householders should always ask for identification from unexpected callers and not let anyone in if they were not comfortable with who they claimed to be.

Councils and utilities companies will generally contact householders by telephone or letter if they plan to carry out repairs rather than make unsolicited calls and phone calls should be made to the relevant company to check the validity of the visitor.

Police also urged people to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible and appealed for witnesses to the latest incident.

The first man was described as white, 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in, of medium build with short dark hair. He was clean shaven and wore a beige suit jacket and dark trousers.

The second was described as white, 5ft 8in, of medium build again with short dark hair and wearing a black jacket.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who may have been approached in this manner.

Anyone with information relating to this crime is asked to contact Det Con Carly Belcher on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.