POLICE are searching for a middle-aged female thief who they believe tricked a pensioner out of cash.
On Wednesday, a woman visited a house in St Helen Auckland and sold the pensioner some items from a black bin bag.
She then asked for old newspapers, saying she was collecting for charity.
Police believe that while the elderly woman went to look for newspapers, the caller stole money from her purse.
Detective Constable Joanne Turnbull, from Bishop Auckland Police, said: "We have done house-to-house inquiries and it wouldn't appear she had targeted anyone else in the area. But it's unlikely she would just visit one house.
"We are appealing for anyone who had any calls the same day to come forward. It could have been a totally legitimate caller, but she did not show any identification."
The woman is described as about 40 to 50-years-old, 5ft, with dark hair and dark clothing.
Anyone with information should contact Det Con Turnbull on (01388) 603566.
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