NEW Forest District Council is warning residents to be on their guard against conmen posing as local authority workers.

Their appeal comes after an 82- year-old woman from Bransgore had £800 stolen by conmen posing as council workmen. The elderly lady was duped into leaving her flat unattended by a man pretending to be from the council.

While she and an unsuspecting neighbour were inspecting bushes with the bogus aboriculturist another man entered her flat and stole money she had collected to pay for new chair covers and her monthly rent.

New Forest District Council Aboriculturist, Nik Gruber, said: "This is a sickening incident. Conmen who take advantage of vulnerable defenceless people in this way do not deserve to get away with it. Anyone who is expecting visits from the council or any other organisation should make a point of asking to see identity cards, and should not be fobbed off with excuses.

"If in doubt, ring the office to check credentials. A genuine council official will not mind waiting."

The elderly victim from Bransgore, who has asked not to be identified, issued her own warning. She said: "You see these cases on television and ask how people can be so gullible. You don't expect it to happen to you.

"I asked if the man was from the council and he said 'yes'. We asked for credentials but we were given an excuse. He seemed in a hurry.

"It's normally very safe around here, but we didn't even see the second man. It was all so easy for them."

And Cllr Jeremy Heron, the council's crime and disorder spokesman, added that it was important that all residents be vigilant when callers come to their homes.

He said: "This is a sad and unfortunate case of a situation which can be very distressing to those involved.

"To take advantage of elderly people in such a cruel and calculated way is despicable."

Anyone with information or queries about this or other incidents should contact Nik Gruber on 023 8028 5129 or Ringwood police on 0845 045 45 45.