THE family of an elderly woman who was conned by doorstep thieves have spoken of her ordeal.

The bogus callers escaped with a four-figure sum of money. The 89-year-old, who has poor eyesight and hearing and limited mobility, had kept it in a tin together with her pension book, rail pass and other personal items.

Her family say they had warned her about inviting strangers into her home, but she believed the man who initially knocked on her door was genuine.

Her daughter said: "I cannot believe what they are doing to old people. They should be locked up for life.''

Detectives said the incident in Edgar Grove, Bishop Auckland was despicable.

The woman, who has not been named, answered the door to a man in his thirties or forties at 3.45pm Thursday.

The man, who claimed he was from the water board, told her there was a blockage in the system and kept her occupied while at least one other person entered the house.

He is described as about 5ft 8in with short hair and of medium build.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sturrock, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "Those responsible for this crime are despicable. It would have been painfully obvious this was a lady who could see and hear relatively little, yet they still had no hesitation in tricking their way into her home and stealing her savings.

"We again urge people not to let into their homes anyone they do not know. Genuine officials will always carry identification. If you are in any doubt, ring the police."

Anyone in the Edgar Grove area who may have seen anything suspicious on Thursday is asked to call the police on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

* The Northern Echo last year launched its Doorsteppers campaign to crack down on bogus tradesmen and cold callers in the region.