POLICE are appealing for information after a bogus caller stole money from a pensioner.
A woman in her late 20s called at a property in Rogers Close, Horden, Peterlee between 7pm and 7.30pm on Monday.
She offered the 83-year-old victim raffle tickets and was allowed into her house.
When the caller left, the pensioner discovered £60 was missing from her handbag.
PC Nigel Dowd said: "The victim is a frail, elderly lady with failing eyesight and it's not clear how the suspect gained access to her handbag.'' He said that inquiries revealed that a young woman had called at two other properties selling cross-stitch cards at a similar time.
PC Dowd added: "This person has targeted a very vulnerable member of the community. I would urge anyone who has been approached in a similar way to contact police.''
The Northern Echo's Doorstoppers campaign aims to raise awareness of bogus callers.
Anyone with information can contact Peterlee police on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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