AFTER an 87-year-old Dudley woman was targeted by a conman last week police are asking the public to pass on their safety messages to elderly relatives, friends and neighbours.

Officers are urging everyone to remain vigilant and report all suspicious behaviour to the police.

The appeal comes after a conman turned up at the woman’s address last Thursday (January 4) claiming he was carrying out work next door and needed to look at a wall joining the two properties.

Police say the woman was dubious, but took him into the garden where he said the wall was in a state of disrepair, but could be fixed for £350.

The crook pretended he was going to get tools from his car while the victim went inside to get the cash, but instead he snuck into the property and stole almost £1,000 cash.

Detectives believe the suspect arrived and left in a white Vauxhall Corsa van, either a 2013 or 2014 model, with investigations to trace the car ongoing, as it is linked to several similar offences in Dudley.

A police spokesman said: “Please remember – bogus ’workmen’ may say that they need to come in to check something or make urgent repairs. You also need to be careful of callers who offer to make building repairs or tarmac your drive.

“Often they’ll ask for money in advance; they may even offer to drive you to the bank to withdraw money to pay them.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for ID! Genuine callers will normally make an appointment first and will carry identification with their photograph on.”

For more information and advice visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/node/480.

Anyone who may have any information regarding either the man in the images or the van should contact DC Sean Lowe from Force CID on 101 ext 851 3151, quoting crime number 20DY/2913M/18.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.