A MAN posing as a police officer talked his way into the homes of three elderly people on Monday morning.

In two instances the man claimed he was a police officer checking on a theft in the area. He said he was calling on other premises to ask if residents kept money at home and, if so, he was checking to make sure it was safe. In a third call, the man said he was a council worker.

Although he got into all three homes in Sydney Road, nothing was taken from two of them and he left without further incident.

Leather wallet

In the other house, where he asked for a cup of tea and to use the toilet, he distracted an elderly couple and escaped with a leather wallet containing £30 and bank cards from a jacket in the hall.

The thief had a two-toned hairstyle, shaved at the sides and longer on top. He was thought to be in his forties, quite short but of large build, with brown hair and facial stubble. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing black jeans and a dark jacket.

DC Matthew Ridgway warned people to be on their guard. "He has not used any force or threats but his ploy of posing as a police officer is quite elaborate," Mr Ridgway said. He had produced a rather worn looking identity card with a photograph and the word Police on it."

Anyone with informationshould call DC Ridgway at Ludlow on 08457 444 888.

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