A CONMAN stole cash from a Droitwich Spa pensioner after tricking his way into her home.

The thief knocked at the woman's door, in Ploughmans Piece, Westlands. She let him in after he told her he worked for the water board.

He asked her to turn on the taps so he could check the pressure and then said he needed to get some tools from his van.

But the woman became suspicious when she heard another voice coming from outside.

She checked and found her savings had been stolen.

The man is believed to be in his late 20s and had a round face with dark hair.

Investigating officer PC Jan Heritage said: "Tradesmen from a reputable business will not mind you closing the door on them to check they are genuine.

"If in doubt, keep them out."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened last Wednesday afternoon, should contact police on (01905) 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

As part of the Advertiser's Crackdown on Conmen campaign launched in 1998, we produced information sheets giving simple advice on what to do if strangers call at your door.

The sheets are free and available from our High Street office.

The campaign was run in conjunction with West Mercia Police and was aimed at people who might be targeted by bogus callers.