A PENSIONER has been burgled by a stranger who befriended her during a shopping trip.

The thief spent two hours with her victim, taking her for a drink and accompanying her home, before stealing around 100 in cash.

Police are now warning elderly shoppers to be on their guard in case the thief strikes again.

The 83-year-old victim was about to cross Front Street, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, at around 3.20pm on December 5 when she was approached by a woman in her 30s who took her arm and offered to help her cross the road.

The woman, who said her name was Poppy, befriended the victim and the pair walked to the nearby Relton Workingmen's Club where they stayed for a drink.

After about an hour, they left the club and walked to the victim's home, near the Hermitage roundabout, where she gave the woman a drink and a sandwich.

When the suspect left about 45 minutes later, the victim discovered her cream-coloured handbag and its contents, including 100 cash, were missing.

It also emerged the burglar had also searched cupboards and drawers.

DC Paul Halpin, of Durham City CID, said: "I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may know the identity of this thief to contact us.

"She appeared very friendly and plausible, spending almost two hours with the victim.

"She may be targeting elderly shoppers and they should be alert in case they are approached in the same way."

The thief is described as being around 5ft 2ins tall, of slim build, with a tanned complexion and short black hair, tied in a pony tail.

She had a bump on her forehead and was wearing a black sleeveless body warmer, a black woollen jumper, dark jeans, brown knee-high boots and leather gloves.

She was carrying a brown holdall and a pink and white carrier bag.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Durham City CID on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.