ELDERLY residents in Felixstowe were today warned to be on their guard after callous conmen stole a large amount of cash from an 85-year-old man.A pair of thieves tricked their way into the man's home in Elizabeth Way by claiming they were water board workers and needed to make urgent checks on his tap supply.

By Richard Cornwell

ELDERLY residents in Felixstowe were today warned to be on their guard after callous conmen stole a large amount of cash from an 85-year-old man.

A pair of thieves tricked their way into the man's home in Elizabeth Way by claiming they were water board workers and needed to make urgent checks on his tap supply.

But while the pensioner showed one man into the kitchen so the water and taps could be "tested", another sneaked into his home, searched the property and stole what police describe as "a substantial sum" of money.

Today police officers urged people not to let anyone into their homes unless they were absolutely sure of their identity.

The latest incident – one of dozens in the Ipswich and Felixstowe area in the past 12 months – happened on Friday between 1.30pm and 2pm.

"One man called at the home of the 85-year-old man and said he was from the water board and needed to check the supply. He came into the house and got the owner to turn on the taps – a basic distraction technique," said a police spokeswoman.

"Meanwhile, a second man entered and stole a substantial sum of cash."

Police are also investigating other similar incidents in Ipswich on Friday but are unsure whether they are connected.

Both men were white and of average height, and dressed in smart casual clothes.

The man who called at the door had an Irish accent, was in his late teens or early 20s, of slight and athletic build, and had brown hair.

The second man was of slightly bigger build, and in his 30s. He also had brown hair.

"We would urge people to make sure they don't let anyone in without ID. Take their ID and close the door and find their organisation's number in the phone book – not the one on the ID card in case it is a fake – and ring and check," said the spokeswoman.

"If the caller is genuine, they will know the procedure and will not mind waiting.

"If in any doubt, then do not let the caller in."

Anyone receiving a call from someone they suspect is a bogus caller or finds themselves the victim of such a crime, should ring 999 immediately. Anyone with information about the latest incident should call police on 01473 383300.