A BOGUS caller used an elaborate act to steal cash from an elderly woman's home in York.

The woman noticed the man measuring the windows outside her home in Ebor Street, Clementhorpe, with a tape measure at about 12.30pm yesterday.

He told her he was from the council and was measuring up for double glazing and would also need to measure inside.

When she allowed him in, he then told her he would need to spray something. He put on a white dust-mask to shield his mouth and nose and got the woman to wait in the kitchen.

She became suspicious and returned to the room but found the man had taken cash from her handbag and left.

The conman was described as being aged in his early thirties, about 5ft 10in tall, stocky, with shaven, dark brown hair. He spoke with a "non-local" accent.

He was wearing a blue waterproof jacket, dark trousers and a fluorescent yellow reflective vest.

PC Paul Beckwith, based at Acomb police station, said: "He has obviously been quite well-prepared to have had a tape measure, fluorescent vest and face mask. We want anyone who saw him or was approached in the same way to contact us.

"We would also reiterate our advice to people to always ask callers for identification and not to let them in unless they are satisfied they are genuine."

Anyone with information should call PC Beckwith at Acomb station on 01904 631321.

Updated: 12:30 Tuesday, November 12, 2002