VULNERABLE people have been urged not to let strangers into their home, even if the callers claim to be on official business.

South Worcestershire police have re-issued the warning to thoroughly check the identification and credentials of visitors. The advice came after cash was stolen from a house in Bromwich Road, Worcester, shortly after 3pm on Monday when an unknown man called at the property on the pretext of being a water board official.

Although on this occasion the householder, an elderly woman, challenged the man and asked to see his company identification, the unknown visitor claimed his identification documents were in the van down the road.

He entered the property and walked through to the kitchen, where he turned on the taps while talking to the woman. It is believed a second man then entered the property during this time, while the woman was being distracted in the kitchen, and, after searching upstairs rooms and the living room, left via the front door.

The first offender then left the house, and headed off in the direction of Slingpool Walk. After their departure the woman discovered a significant sum of cash, the amount of which is not being disclosed, had been taken from a wallet in her handbag.

The man who claimed to be a water board official is white, medium in height and of stocky build, with dark hair, and was possibly in his late 30s. He wore black gloves throughout his visit.

Police would like to hear from neighbours or other members of the community who may have seen someone answering this description. Callers are asked to contact Worcester police promptly by phoning 08457 444 888, quoting incident number 468S/301006.