An elderly woman was the victim of a distraction burglary in Lingfield on Thursday last week (3 December).

A man knocked on the front door of the house in Cottenhams claiming to be from the water board. He stated he needed to check a water leak.

When inside, the man stole cash from the victim’s handbag before leaving.

He’s described as white, in his 40s and around 5 foot 8 inches tall.

A police spokesman took this opportunity to remind people to remain vigilant and always challenge callers not known to them to show some form of ID and when in doubt not allow them in.

Detective Constable, Julie Daubeney, said, “If you have seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area or think you have been a victim of a crime of a similar nature please contact police on 101.”