A MAN who tricked his way into a pensioner's home stole a wallet containing £250 in cash.

The 78-year old victim answered the door of his home in Green Leach Lane, Haresfinch, at about 11.15am on Friday, February 23, to a man asking him if the house next door was for sale.

The pensioner said he didn't know, but when the caller asked to borrow a pen and paper to write down a note for the neighbours, he invited the man inside and left him alone in the living room for a short time while he went to look for some.

When the householder returned, the man thanked him, left the house and walked up the drive of the next door property where he appeared to put the note through the letterbox.

However, the pensioner later discovered that a brown leather wallet containing £250 and various personal papers had been stolen from a side cabinet.

The conman is described as white, between 35 and 40 years of age, 6ft to 6ft 2ins tall, with a fair complexion and dark hair. He was clean-shaven, spoke with a local accent and wore a three-quarter length blue anorak over a collar and tie.

Police are now appealing for information. If you think you can help to can contact DS Roberts on 0151 777 6050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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