POLICE have warned people not to fall victim to bogus callers.

The advice follows a burglary in Blacon on Saturday involving a man who called at the home of an elderly woman, claiming to be from a water company.

After asking her to switch the water supply off he stole cash and two antique coins.

Genuine workmen had been working on water mains in the same street for several days and water company signs were still visible, protecting a hole in the path.

Det Con Rhys Nevett said: “This burglar obviously took advantage of the circumstances to make his story more believable. It is another nasty twist to a very nasty type of crime.

“Water companies are unlikely to have workmen out on Saturdays and any genuine representative would make an appointment and produce identification.

“These criminals are unscrupulous. They are targeting the vulnerable and will use any trick to get cash and valuables.”

Det Insp Sharon Case urged neighbours of elderly and vulnerable people to keep an eye on them.

The man involved is described as white, in his 40s, and about five feet five inches tall. He was wearing an peaked cap and grey jacket and may have had an Irish accent.

Anyone with information should call 0845 458 0000 quoting incident number 501 of April 2.