A 96-year-old woman is the latest frail victim of heartless conmen.

The pensioner had left the front door of her home in Oxford Road, Abingdon, on the latch as she had been expecting a visit from her district nurse.

The thief, thought to be aged about 17, walked into the house and, after being confronted by his startled victim, tried to strike up a conversation. The teenager eventually left after twice being told to go, but the pensioner later discovered £70 cash missing from her purse and a sideboard.

Police believe the thief may have been walking with a limp at the time.

Det Con Tony Barsby said: "This is a very serious offence. Distraction burglaries are particularly despicable crimes which Thames Valley Police are currently targeting through initiatives like Operation Resolve. We would urge the elderly not to allow anyone they do not know into their house and always demand to see some means of identification. If they are the least bit suspicious, they should not hesitate to call us.

"And we would urge neighbours of the elderly to also be on alert and get in touch with the police if they see anything suspicious."

He added that he would like anyone who may know who the teenager is, or can help in any way, to contact Abingdon CID on 01235 776645.

The thief is described as white, 5ft 7in, and stocky with a chubby face. At the time of the theft, between 11.15am and 11.35am on Friday (August 7), he was wearing a white cotton long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans with scruffy dark shoes.

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