POLICE are warning residents to be on their guard against distraction burglars after a 79-year-old woman fell victim today.
The thief struck around 1.30pm this afternoon at a block of flats for the elderly in West End.
The front doors of the block were open while painting was being carried out enabling the thief to walk in and call at the home of the pensioner.
He asked the woman if she had any jewellery to sell and she offered a brooch and pair of gold earrings. But while she was looking for other items in a drawer the man took a gold chain worth £600.
The thief is described as a white man with very dark hair who is about 45 years old and 5ft 6ins tall. He wore a plain beige anorak and dark trousers.
Police are advising residents to be wary of cold callers who offer to buy and/or sell items.
Police want to hear from anyone who has been visited by such callers or who encounters them in the future.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Hedge End on 101.
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