Police are urging people to keep an eye out for their elderly relatives and neighbours after a thief got into a pensioner’s home by pretending to be a workman.
The man came to the 87-year-old woman’s home in Belle Vue Road in Shelf claiming he needed to check the heaters in the house.
He felt the radiators and left but after he had gone, the pensioner realised a jewellery box with jewellery inside was missing.
Officers want to speak to a man described as white, in his 40s, slim and between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 8ins tall.
He was clean-shaven with short dark brown hair and a thin and long face. He spoke in a local accent and wore dark clothing.
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Long, of Calderdale CID, said: “I would strongly urge people to be vigilant when people come calling uninvited at the door.
“Always ask for identification - genuine callers shouldn’t have a problem showing this - and there should be contact number to call to check their claims. Don’t be afraid to ring the number.
“If you have any doubts about a caller whatsoever then don’t let them in and keep the door on a chain.
“Unfortunately criminals will often target elderly people because they see them as vulnerable. If you have elderly neighbours, friends or relatives then keep an eye on them and advise them to be vigilant too.”
Anyone with information about the theft, between 1.15pm and 1.30pm on Monday, February 18, should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.