TAVISTOCK police have appealed for information about a thief who stole cash from a 93-year-old woman after gaining entry to her home by claiming he had come to check her boiler.
The bogus caller visited the pensioner's cottage in Tavistock at 8am, last Friday. He appeared to check the boiler, but sneaked upstairs to grab cash from a purse.
Police said the woman was left in shock, and have warned other elderly people in the area to be on their guard, to ask callers to produce ID and if still unsure to contact police.
The suspect is described as a white male, 5ft 8ins, in his early 30s with fair shoulder-length hair, balding from the front and with a small dark moustache. He was of medium build and wearing a white, striped short-sleeved shirt.
Officers say another incident occurred the day before when two men approached an elderly homeowner in Meavy Lane, Yelverton, and asked for a cup of tea. Officers believe the two incidents could be connected.
Anyone with any information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.