AN 82-year-old woman had her purse stolen after burglars posed as labourers to con their way into her house.

A man knocked on the victim’s door in Deepwater Road, Canvey, at 3pm on March 7 and claimed he was putting up scaffolding at a neighbour’s house for work to be carried out on a chimney.

He asked the 82-year-old victim if he could check the chimney in her home for similar problems.

He went into the loft and later left in a white van with another man.

The following day the victim realised her purse was missing and her bank cards had been used.

A small amount of money was stolen from her account.

Residents were shocked to hear of the latest incident of distraction burglaries, as a number have taken place throughout south Essex, including in Castle Point and Billericay.

Conservative councillor Jay Blissett, who represents Canvey West Ward, urged residents to take precautions to prevent them becoming victims.

She said: “Keep a chain on your door and don’t let anyone in.

“Make sure you have someone with you if you do need to let them in, even if it is on the phone.

“I think that would be the best thing to do.

“If you have elderly family members, make sure they are aware of these incidents that are happening, and if you have elderly neighbours as well.

“They seem to be very clever at persuading people to let them in, pretending to be police officers, health visitors and council workers.

“As soon as you warn people they are posing as one worker, they are already posing as the next one.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “If you saw any suspicious activity at the time of the crime or if you see suspicious activity taking place in the area please call 101 or 999 if judged urgent.

“Please ensure you put up the handles and lock with the key your UPVC and composite doors.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Rayleigh CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers- uk.org