A 90-YEAR-OLD woman was the victim of a "despicable distraction burglary" in Dorchester, police said.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after the elderly woman had cash and jewellery stolen from her home in a burglary involving a man posing as a water board official.

A member of staff at a warden-assisted housing complex in Sandringham Court, Dorchester, alerted the police about the raid.

Detective Constable Simon Austin, of Weymouth CID, said: "The bogus water board official gained entry to the elderly woman's flat by saying he was calling from Southern Water and needed to adjust the water pressure.

"Once inside the victim's flat the man kept her talking while another man entered the property and stole a quantity of cash as well as some jewellery.

"The thefts were only discovered after the bogus water board official and the other man left the flat."

The man who posed as a water board official was described as white and was wearing a T-shirt and jeans.

After the alarm was raised on Tuesday, police searched the area and made house-to-house inquiries in the area but found no trace of the thieves. Householders are also being warned to check and confirm the authenticity of any doorstep callers and to refuse entry and call the police if they are in any doubt.

Residents are also asked to keep a look out for vulnerable neighbours.

Inspector Les Fry, head of Dorchester Police, said: "Genuine employees are always happy for their ID to be checked first.

"If anyone is suspicious about something they should call the police. Please look after neighbours, especially when they are elderly."

DC Austin said he was keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has been the victim of a distraction burglary or attempted distraction burglary in Dorchester and has not reported the incident to police.

He added: "This was a despicable distraction burglary that left the 90-year-old householder understandably extremely upset and very shaken."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Dorset Police on 01305 222222.