A BOGUS door-to-door caller stole a purse from an elderly woman in Hartford after tricking his way into her home.

The incident occurred at around 9.45am on Saturday, March 25 at an address in Riddings Lane.

A woman, in her 80s, was approached by a man at her door who claimed her neighbour had asked for him to cut back a tree.

While the woman checked with her husband, the man entered the house and took her purse.

The offender is described as a white man, mid 40’s, of slim build, with brown hair and glasses. He was clean shaven and wearing a polo shirt.

No arrests have been made to date.

PCSO Karen Nixon, from Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Most people who call at your home will be genuine but sometimes people turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into people’s homes or telling them there is a problem with their trees, gutters or tiles on the roof.

“Remember, if someone knocks at your door, always examine and check their identification or better still, tell them to come back when a family member or friend is with you.

“Never let anyone in your house unless they are someone you know and trust.

“If you are interested in what a door to door sales person has to offer, take time to find out about their business and their offer.

“Just because someone at your door tells you your tree needs cutting back or your roof tiles are loose, it doesn’t mean they necessarily are.”

Cheshire Police are now appealing for information.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 440 of March 25, 2017.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.