A BOGUS plumber called at the home of a 92-year-old man on Station Road in Padgate, conned him out of cash and then stole his wallet.

The caller knocked on the man's door at about 1pm last Thursday, and the pensioner let him in after mistaking him for an acquaintance.

The conman asked him for £30 for plumbing parts, and the man got the money out of his wallet and handed it to him.

But when he walked out of the room leaving his wallet, which contained £270 on the sideboard the trickster grabbed it and ran off.

The offender is white, 5ft 8in, aged in his mid to late 50s and of proportionate build. Anyone who spotted him leaving, or who knows who he is, can contact police on 652222.

In the meantime, Det Sgt Graeme Halbert is asking pensioners to be careful about who they let into their homes, and for neighbours of vulnerable people to be extra vigilant.

"This is a nasty offence, preying on the elderly," he said.