LABOURERS are believed to have stolen £1,500 from the bedroom of a home at Packers Hill, Upton-upon-Severn, after being given £900 in advance for installing a new door.

The incident happened when the workers - two men and a youth - arrived in a white Ford Transit-type van.

They took the old door off at the property and left it lying in the garden

They said they would return the following day.

However, they failed to return and the niece of the occupant called the police after the sum of money in the bedroom was found to be missing.

"We would urge anyone who is approached at home regarding building work to verify exactly who they are dealing with," said a police spokesperson.

"When they've done that, they should also obtain a written quotation and should not give payment before the work is done, no matter how convincing the reasons may seem - and certainly not until they are entirely satisfied with the standard of work that has been undertaken."

Police are appealing for information about the incident.

It happened on Monday, December 15.

Police can be contacted on 08457 444 888, quoting 150S/161203.