Fundraising appeal launched for elderly woman who had savings stolen by callous crook in Milton Keynes

The elderly woman had her handbag and £260 cash stolen by a man who tricked his way into her Bletchley home on the pretence of fixing her guttering.

The trusted pensioner was making him a cup of tea when he ran off with her handbag containing her savings and a bank card, said the granddaughter.

He then used the card to withdraw a further £250.

"The money withdrawn using the card has since been refunded but the cash has been lost forever. I cannot express how disgusted I am at this individual for the hurt he has caused," said the granddaughter.

"Please find it in your heart to donate so we can get my Grandma her money back and help her see some hope in humanity again."

The fundraising page is here. It was launched yesterday and has already exceeded its target and raised £275.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the distraction burglary, which happened at around 3pm on Tuesday in Tweed Drive.

The victim had received a letter days previously saying someone would be coming out to fix her gutters, so trusted the stranger when he knocked at her window, saying he needed to inspect the guttering.

"He was allowed in and removed a bottle of cleaning spray from under the sink. When the victim turned around the male was gone as was her handbag which had been in the lounge," said a police spokesman,

Anyone who saw anything suspicious around that time in Tweed Drive should call 101 and quote reference number 43210133922.

Meanwhile police are concerned about an apparent rise in distraction burglaries in the area. They have issued the following advice:

"Please remind all elderly and vulnerable clients, relatives and neighbours that they should never open the door to a stranger no matter what story they are told.

"These criminals use the element of surprise to confuse their victims and the advice should be to STOP, THINK and TAKE TIME to consider what they are being told.

"If it is not a friend/carer/relative or a pre-arranged appointment, you should not open the door. You can shout through the door or letterbox or use an intercom if fitted. "