AN ELDERLY woman was tricked into letting a con-man into her home, after she confused him with a local resident.

The 81 year old opened the door of her home in Johnson Road, Hounslow on Monday, September 15 at around 6pm, as she had been expecting a call regarding her windows.

But when she opened the door, she thought she recognised the caller as a local man and asked about his dogs. The suspect answered that he was calling about her garden and asked whether she wanted the rubbish cleared from her garden.

The victim, now suspicious, asked if the intruder was from the council, but he ignored her and she reluctantly let him into the property. Once inside, he asked for a bin liner, which she got for him, but as she was putting the roll back in the cupboard, he walked casually past her and into the lounge, where he picked up her bag and walked straight out the house.

The victim, who was powerless to stop the thief, looked out of her window only to see the man jump into a small black saloon car and drive off at speed.

He was described as white, between 30-40 years old, and around 5’7” tall. He was clean shaven with short light brown hair, a stocky build and a local accent. He was wearing a pale blue and white checked shirt and light trousers.

Call the police on 020 8577 1212.