VALE householders have been warned to be on their guard against bogus callers after an elderly woman had money stolen from her home by a man claiming to be from the water board.

The man called at the victim's house in Rynal Place, Evesham at 12noon last Thursday. She let him into her home but discovered money was missing from her living room after he had left.

The thief was described as 5ft 8in tall, with a pale complexion, short dark hair and small eyes. He was wearing a peach-coloured jumper under a navy blue top coat.

Crime risk manager Mike Stephenson said: "Always be on your guard when anyone you are not expecting turns up on your doorstep. It could be a man, a woman or even a child.

"Thieves come in many disguises; they may claim to be builders or even from the health authority, gas or water boards.

"These people may say they have to be let in to make urgent repairs. Do not let them in unless you are sure of who they are."

He added: "Always ask to see their identification and, if in doubt, check it out by ringing their local office. Don't use the number of any identity card they show you but look it up in the phone book.

"While you do this, leave the caller outside; if they are genuine, they will not mind waiting while you check.

"Another way to stay safe is never to keep money in the house. Put it in a bank or building society and don't keep your chequebook and card together.

"Always keep your pin number separate from your card as this could be used to withdraw cash from your account."

Anyone with any information about the burglary in Rynal Place or saw anyone in the area at the time who answers the description can contact police on 08457 444888, quoting 228S/021003.