A burglar posing as an electrical meter reader stole a pensioner's purse and cheque book after tricking his way into her home. 

Police believe the fraudster took utility bills from the victim's recycling bin so he could claim he was from the correct electricity company.

They are now appealing for help to find the man after he conned the 79-year-old on Monday, November 10. 

Between 3.30pm and 4pm, the man knocked on the woman's door and said he worked for an electrical company, before asking to read the meter. 

He was wearing a lanyard with the name of the electrical company she  used around his neck.

After he entered the house he went to the meter cupboard,  then distracted the victim by persuading her to go upstairs and check on the lights.

After he left the victim noticed that her purse and cheque book had been stolen.

The suspect is described as a light skinned Asian male with short black hair, about 5ft 8ins tall and between 30 and 40 years old. He is of slim-build and was wearing a navy jacket.

Detective Constable Iain Millar of Kingston CID said. “We would like anyone who was in the area and who may have seen this man to contact police. He may well have called on other people in the area, we would ask those people to also come forward. Your information could help us stop more elderly people becoming a victim of this man.

“We believe this man may have got the electric company’s documents from the victim’s own recycling bin. We would remind people to be very careful how they dispose of utility documents, which criminals can use to their own advantage.

“I would like to remind the public to make sure those workers who call at the door are genuine, before they enter your home. Ask to check their identification; if in doubt make them wait at the door and contact the company they work for, or the police.”

Anyone with information to is asked to phone DC Iain Millar at Kingston CID on Tel: 0208 721 5879.

You can also contact Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name on Tel: 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 0410597/14.