POLICE are urging people to be cautious after a burglar posing as a gardener stole a pensioner's handbag.

A man knocked on the 83-year-old woman’s door in Dewlands, Basildon, at around 12pm on Wednesday, March 22, claiming he was a gardener.

He asked the woman if he could check to see if any gardening work was needed. He asked for a drink and then left before it was made.

When he left, the victim noticed a handbag had been taken.

The suspect is described as being around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in, aged in his late 20s or early 30s and of slim build. He wore a dark hooded jacket.

Det Con Louise Giles said: "The suspect was very persuasive and I would ask residents in the area to please be vigilant. If you get unwanted calls to your door, please check their ID.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Dc Louise Giles at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.