NEIGHBOURS of a frail pensioner have reacted in horror today after a trickster got away with £700 of her money.The vulnerable woman, who is in her 90's, handed over the cash to a man who claimed to be the carpenter she was expecting.

NEIGHBOURS of a frail pensioner have reacted in horror today after a trickster got away with £700 of her money.

The vulnerable woman, who is in her 90's, handed over the cash to a man who claimed to be the carpenter she was expecting.

He called at her Whitby Road home yesterday at around 10.15am and after discussing the problems she had with her front door, told her that she needed a new one.

The callous caller said that he would need the money before he could go and get the door, which she handed over from her savings. However, the man did not return.

People living in the same area as the elderly lady were sickened by the incident, but said that none of them had seen anyone in the area and no-one had come to their doors.

Pauline Negus has lived in the road for 12 years and said that she was sad things are starting to go this way.

She said: "There are a lot of elderly people living around here and it is very sad that this has happened.

"No matter where you live it is happening and these people obviously are targeting the most vulnerable people.

"It is quite frightening but you would not be able to put into print what I think of these people."

Mrs Negus added that normally a quiet area, things were starting to happen and that someone working in her house had his wallet stolen from the car while he was parked outside.

Maureen Farmer was also upset by the news.

She said: "It is not a very nice thing to happen, but it seems to be happening more and more wherever you are. People like that are horrible, but I don't know what the answer is to be honest."

Another resident in the area, who did not want to be identified, said: "I think it is very sad that the pensioner was taken advantage of in this way.

"Normally I am not a very nervous person and don't think of things like that – maybe I should.

"I am very aware when people come to the door and check identification where I can."

Police continue to advise people to check the identity of people calling at their homes before handing over any money or letting them into their property

Meanwhile, anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen someone acting suspiciously, or if they have any information at all about this offence should call Pc Andrew Blacker at Ipswich police station on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.