A SUFFOLK woman in her 100th year has become the latest victim of conmen after hundreds of pounds were stolen from her home by a bogus caller.The despicable theft was carried out in west Felixstowe by lowlife who have been targeting the frail and elderly.

By Richard Cornwell

A SUFFOLK woman in her 100th year has become the latest victim of conmen after hundreds of pounds were stolen from her home by a bogus caller.

The despicable theft was carried out in west Felixstowe by lowlife who have been targeting the frail and elderly.

Police said the 99-year-old woman answered a knock at her door from a man claiming to be from the water board.

He said he had to check her supply because other residents in the street had been ill. Unsuspecting, the woman let him in.

He went into her kitchen to make the water check and engaged her in conversation. Minutes later he left the property and shortly afterwards the woman became concerned and raised the alarm.

It was later discovered the woman's brown purse containing several hundred pounds had been stolen.

Police, who are not revealing the exact address of the woman, say the incident happened on Saturday March 1 at about 10.30am.

They are not sure if the man was working alone or not and have appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious or also had a call from a man claiming to be from the water board to contact them.

The man is described as white, in his 40s, thick set, of stocky build, short, with dark hair "plastered to his head". He was wearing a dark suit.

People with information should contact Felixstowe CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have also renewed their pleas for people to remember to "stop, chain, check" before answering their doors and not to let anyone into their homes without checking their identity.

Householders should also ask for ID and then call the company or organisation to check the person is genuine by using the number from the telephone book, not the ID card.

They should close the door while doing this. Genuine callers will be happy to wait while the check is made.

"If someone calls at your door, and you suspect it may not be above board, try to take the registration of any vehicle you may see the person using and contact police immediately - using 999 if necessary," said a police spokeswoman.