Police are appealing for information and issuing advice to the public following a bogus official theft in Southport last week.

At around 2pm on Monday, 6 August, a man was reported to have attended a premises on Marshside Road claiming that he wanted to advise an occupant of theft in the area. The victim, a woman in her 80s, let the man into the house and he stole a purse from a handbag, before making off.

The man is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, 45-50 years of age, clean shaven with mousey brown but balding hair, wearing a dark grey padded ‘North Face’ jacket, dark tracksuit trousers and dark training shoes. He is said to have flashed a pretend ID card that was green but had no image on. He gave a first name of ‘Peter’.

The victim is being supported by officers and we are asking that anyone with information comes forward.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: "This was a deplorable offence against an elderly lady which has left her feeling understandably vulnerable and distressed. We are supporting her at this difficult time and I want to assure people that we will act on any information given to find those responsible.

"It's hard to believe that anyone would stoop so low as to con their way into the home of an elderly person and steal money. If you live in the Southport area and have recently been visited by anyone claiming to be offering theft advice, please let us know. Legitimate callers will always carry clear identification and reassure you that they are from a reputable organisation, so please be cautious and advise any family and friends who may live along or be vulnerable.

"Likewise, if you have home CCTV and have recently seen anyone who matches the man’s description or was claiming to be carrying out similar enquiries, please come forward.

"Offenders like this deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community in their own homes, a place where they have a right to feel safe and secure, and we are actively working to identify the person involved in this incident so they can be brought to justice. We work closely with local authorities and the Trading Standards team to ensure that people are aware of how to keep themselves and those they care for safe from this kind of offence, and I want to reiterate that advice.

"There are a number of steps people can take to help prevent this type of crime so I would ask people to take a few minutes and ensure that any elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends or people in your care are given the right advice and guidance, work which we also carry out in our communities."

Do not open your door if you are unsure who the caller is
Always make sure you know who visitors are by asking to see their identification
Never let people into your property if you don't know them
Always keep the key chain on the door whilst talking to callers and always check their ID before letting them into your home
Genuine callers won't mind you doing this. If callers haven't got valid identification, don't let them in
Bogus callers often pretend to be someone official, for example, from a utility company or the water board. They will also try to distract people by asking for a drink of water or if they can use the toilet. Remember "if in doubt, keep them out"
Remember to close and lock the back door before you answer the front door
It's a good idea to have a viewer or spy hole and a stout chain fitted to all the external doors to the property
Don't keep large quantities of cash at home. It's better in the bank where it's safe
If someone asks for your help (for example, if they want to make a telephone call or claim to have lost a ball in your garden) always ask a friend or neighbour, or someone else you trust, for help

Anyone with information which could help the police with their inquiries is asked to contact our social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 quoting reference number 18200164321 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

If you think you, or someone you know may have been scammed, you can also report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or online at www.adviceguide.org.uk.