A CONMAN stole a large quantity of jewellery after tricking his way into a disabled 72-year-old woman's house.

The thief called at his victim's house in the Victoria Street area of Wellington claiming he was from the council and needed to carry out carbon monoxide checks inside the building.

After getting into the property at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 6, he went to rooms upstairs before leaving after about 30 minutes.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "It was later discovered that a large quantity of jewellery was missing from the property including gold earrings, gold rings, plus gold and silver chains.

"The man is described as white, aged between 40 and 45, 5ft 5ins tall, of stocky build with black short swept back hair, receding at the front.

"He also wore dark rimmed glasses. He was wearing a short-sleeved white shirt with brown trousers.

"He was wearing a dark blue lanyard around his neck, carrying a credit-card sized badge and was carrying a blue torch, paper and a pen.

"He also had a large holdall-type bag on his back."

The force spokesman added: "We would like second-hand shops, jewellers and antique shop owners to be vigilant and contact us if they are offered a collection of jewellery.

"We would also like to hear from any other householders who think they may have been duped by anyone claiming to be an official making carbon monoxide checks."

If you have information, call police on 101, quoting reference 5217127430.

TOP TIPS:

  • officers always recommend using a door chain and asking to see the identification of unexpected callers.
  • if you are suspicious of a caller and feel alarmed or intimidated ring 999 straight away.
  • keep your cash in the bank, not at home.
  • keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room.
  • join Neighbourhood Watch.
  • set up a No Cold Calling zone – contact your neighbourhood policing team or your local council to find out more.

Remember, genuine callers:

  • expect you to check their identification before opening the door – Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council, have confirmed that their staff always carry identification, ask that people check this before allowing anyone in. You can always ring the council to check on 01823-356356.
  • would never try to rush you by claiming there’s an emergency.
  • will happily make an appointment to come back when you can have a relative or friend with you There's more crime prevention information on the Avon and Somerset Police website.