CASH was stolen from an elderly couple after a man tricked his way into their St Neots home by pretending to work for the water board. The 89-year-old victims were at their home in St Neots Road, Eaton Ford, when a man knocked at the door just after noon

CASH was stolen from an elderly couple after a man tricked his way into their St Neots home by pretending to work for the water board.

The 89-year-old victims were at their home in St Neots Road, Eaton Ford, when a man knocked at the door just after noon on Wednesday, April 1.

He claimed to be from the water board and told the woman he had a problem next door and had to look at her kitchen taps. He barged his way in and went to the kitchen and ordered the couple to watch the taps.

After about 10 minutes the offender asked the man to hold the taps before leaving through the front door. An accomplice is believed to have entered the house during this time and stole cash from a box in a bedroom.

Police were called the following morning.

The man who came to the door is described as being in his early 30s, slim, with olive skin, and short dark-blond hair. He was wearing a grey jumper and blue jeans.

DC Anthony Grief, who is investigating, said: "This was a cowardly crime against elderly victims who have been left shaken and upset.

"I am appealing for anyone with information, particularly anyone who recognises the description of the offender, to contact police. I would also like to speak to anyone else in the area who had someone call on them claiming to be from the water board."

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact DC Grief on 0845 4564564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a distraction burglar, police are reminding victims to always Lock, Stop, Chain and Check:

LOCK - Is your back door locked? If not, lock it before you answer the front door as distraction burglars often work in pairs - one distracts, while the other steals

STOP Are you expecting anybody?

CHAIN - Put this on before you open the door. If you have not got one, it is a worthwhile investment. It will give you that extra 'safe space' and barrier between you and the caller and then,

CHECK - Ask for their identification card, take it and look at it carefully. Close the door and check the number in the phone book - not the number on the card. If they are genuine they will not mind waiting or coming back another day.