Police and Age Concern staff in Bradford today put out a warning to elderly people after a 77-year-old woman was conned out of nearly £300.

And they appealed to householders to keep an eye on older neighbours.

Their warning came after Lynn Lee's mother was duped into handing over £270 in cash in her Thornbury home on Saturday.

Mrs Lee said some pointing had fallen off her mother's roof during last week's high winds.

"On Saturday she had a knock on the door and this young lad said he had come about the pointing," she said. "My mother asked if he had been sent by a builder we normally use for jobs and he said he had. He then asked her for the money to buy materials - and needless to say she hasn't seen him since."

Mrs Lee said her mum was normally very security conscious.

"Usually she is so sensible, but she is a bit too trusting," she said. "These people are the lowest of the low.

"It was only five minutes after I left her - so whether they were outside watching, I don't know."

Inspector Dave Hodgson, of Odsal police, said: "It's appalling that anyone could do anything like that, especially a week or so before Christmas.

"We would always say to people that they should check the identity of any callers and not pay for any work until it's done.

"If a tradesman is wanting money up front to buy materials, it should start alarm bells ringing because there is probably a problem with money."

A neighbour of the elderly woman saw a van parked outside the house with the words 'Rotherham Plastics' on the side. But Insp Hodgson said the vehicle had probably been bought and sold several times before reaching its current owner.

Bradford and District Age Concern chief officer Carol Wooller said: "It's despicable what has happened to this lady. I feel so sorry for her.

"It's a particularly horrendous case because he took advantage of her when she asked if he had been sent by someone she knew. We are always appalled that this type of thing keeps on happening to elderly people.

"By and large people are too trusting, but these people are so plausible and play the part so well.''

Anyone who has information about the conman is asked to contact Odsal police on Bradford 376659.

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