AN ELDERLY woman had her purse stolen from her home in a distraction burglary after a man had asked her for a pen and paper.

The woman was in her front garden of her home on Howard Street, Thatto Heath, when she was approached by a man who asked for a pen and paper to leave a note at a neighbour’s house.

The woman went into her house and the man followed her inside before making his excuses and leaving.

This happened at approximately 10am on Wednesday, January 4. 

It is believed the same man approached the house for a second time at 2.30pm on Saturday, January 7 and asked the same question and once again followed her into the property.

He then left at which point the woman realised a purse containing a quantity of cash had been stolen.

The man is described as a white male, in his 50s, with short grey hair and wearing a long jacket.

The woman was not injured but was left badly shaken by her ordeal.

House to house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out in the local area.

Detective constable Jeff Huxley said: "I would appeal for anyone who was in the Howard Street area either on the 4th or 7th of January and saw a man fitting the description to contact us.

"We would always advise people to be vigilant when dealing with strangers.  

"The main thing to remember is that you don’t have to answer your door to them and it is not rude or impolite not to let them in.

"Neighbours can also play a big part in helping protect the more elderly or vulnerable members of our community by keeping an eye out for them, making sure they are okay and reporting anything untoward or suspicious to the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call on 0151 777 6881 or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.