Woman, 83, conned by bogus caller (From York Press)

Woman, 83, conned by bogus caller

5:52pm Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Selby & Tadcaster

AN 83-YEAR-OLD woman in Selby was conned out of cash by a “deplorable and cowardly “ bogus caller who claimed to be from the water board.

Police are warning people to be on their guard following the incident at Parkin Avenue at about 2pm today.

A man, who is is described as in his 20s, about 5ft 3ins and was wearing a woolly hat, called at the pensioner’s home claiming he needed to check her water pressure.

He asked the woman to turn on the bathroom tap and stay there to check for vibrations.

A short time later, the woman went to find the man and discovered he had left the house and taken cash from her purse.

Police said two other similar incidents were also reported in the same road this afternoon, but the man was refused entry by the householders on both occasions.

Selby police are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reassurance patrols in the area.

PC Cheryl Power, of Selby police, said: “Targeting elderly people in this way is one the most deplorable and cowardly crimes we have to deal with.

“Elderly people are often very trusting and these criminals prey on this, taking advantage of their polite and trusting nature.

“I urge residents not to allow anyone into their home who they are not expecting or are unsure who they are.

“Relatives, friends and neighbours of elderly relatives can also play their part by convincing elderly people that it is not impolite to refuse entry to anyone who you are not expecting.

“Remember – if you are not sure who is at your door, please do not open it.”

Anyone in the Parkin Avenue area and who witnessed the incidents is asked to phone police on 101.