CALLOUS con men posing as water board officials tricked their way into the home of an elderly man this week - while he was eating his breakfast.

As one burglar distracted the old man in his kitchen, his accomplice sneaked into the living room and stole his pension and a box containing precious family jewellery.

The 75-year-old man, who lives alone in Wallace Street, Widnes, only realised he had been robbed after the pair fled.

It is the seond con-style burglary in the past fortnight.

A 79-year-old woman in Dunsford, Hough Green, was the first victim. She had cash and personal papers stolen.

Widnes burglary squad this week condemned the gang for preying on vulnerable, old people who live on their own.

Det Con Andy Garner said: "This is a despicable crime. They are deliberately picking on vulnerable elderly people.

"We are determined to catch them. We don't want to alarm anyone but we are anxious to remind people to be more vigilant.

"Make sure you always check the credentials of any caller and if you are in any doubt, don't let strangers into your home."

Widnes burglary squad this week distributed hundreds of leaflets warning old folk to be on their guard.

The World is publishing the police message this week as a special cut-out-and-keep checklist (See page 20). It includes the phone numbers of all the utilities who can check if callers are bona fide.

This week's victim was too frightened to be named but was anxious to speak to the World to warn other pensioners.

He said: "I was sitting in my kitchen having my breakfast when there was a tap on the window.

"The next thing, a man walked in. I had left my back door open because every time I use my grill, it sets off my smoke alarm.

"He told me he was repairing a leak to next door's bungalow and wanted to check my water supply.

"He turned on my tap and asked me where my stopcock was.

"He must have been there for about 10 minutes when I suddenly heard a voice shouting 'OK' and he left.

"As he walked down the path, I saw a second man with him.

"I went into my living room and found the drawers of my cupboard open. I realised my pension money had been stolen. They also took a box which had a diamond gold and silver eternity ring, earrings and a bangle belonging to my daughter. These are of sentimental value to me because she died."

"I couldn't go after them because I was still in my pyjamas but I've given the police a good description."

The first burglar was in his late 20s or early 30s, with a healthy, rugged complexion, clean-shaven round face and short, dark hair. He was 5ft 6ins and ofstocky build.

He was wearing dark jeans or trousers and a dark-coloured jumper.

The second man was 5ft 6ins and of slim build.

He was wearing a three-quarter-length light -oloured coat, tight-fitting light-coloured trousers with a black stripe down the side of the legs and white socks.

"I think this leaflet the police have put out is a very good idea," said the elderly man.

"I'll make sure in future that I keep my door locked and I won't let anyone in until I've checked them out."

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