AN ELDERLY woman was targeted by bogus callers who stole money from her.

Two men who claimed to be from the water board visited the 82-year-old woman at her Mayfield Grove home at about 1pm on Monday, and talked their way into her house.

Once inside, one distracted the woman and the second sneaked upstairs and stole an amount of cash before both left the property.

PC Quita Passmore, of Harrogate Priority Crime Team, said: “Bogus callers are cowardly and devious and their crimes can have a lasting affect on their victims.

“They deliberately target older and vulnerable people taking advantage of their trusting nature. I urge members of the public to reassure their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours that it is not rude to keep someone waiting outside while you check their details. If they are in any doubt, do not, under any circumstances open their door.”

Police have urged witnesses to the incident to contact them and anyone with elderly relatives in the area to advise them not to let anyone into their homes they are not expecting or do not know.

Anyone with any information should phone 101, email quita.passmore@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.