A BURGLAR barged his way into the home of a pensioner before stealing £500.

The man drove up to the property in the Sholing area of Southampton, in a distinctive yellow flat bed van.

He then knocked on the door of the property and pushed his way past the 81-year-old woman before taking the stash of money that she kept in her home.

Police have branded the crime “despicable”

and believe the man may have specifically targeted the elderly woman.

She described to them how he went straight to the cash and left in a matter of seconds.

It is thought the same vehicle had been seen around the neighbourhood for several days before the burglary happened on Monday at around 5pm.

A police spokesman said the van had been seen in the area and the driver had been asking residents about doing maintenance on their properties, including resurfacing driveways.

PC Yozanne Norris said: “This is a despicable case of a man who may have targeted an elderly woman to steal cash.

“We believe this vehicle was in the same road and in the local area in the days before the offence.

“We would appeal for anyone who may have seen it or can help us identify the van or the driver, to contact us as soon as possible.”

The man is described as white, about 30, of slim build, 6ft, possibly with an Irish accent.

l Anyone with any information should contact Bitterne police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.