TWO cruel conmen duped an elderly woman and stole £5.

The frail 78-year old allowed the men into her home in Weedon Avenue, Newton-le-Willows, after they said they were from the council and told her she needed to have a licence for her pet cats.

They then asked to use the toilet and while upstairs, ransacked her bedroom and stole £5.

Detective Inspector Jon Dawson from St Helens CID told the Star: "I must remind the public, and especially pensioners as they are more vulnerable than most, not to open the door to strangers, even if they have an identity card, because these can be easily faked. The safest way is not to allow anyone into your home unless you are absolutely certain they are trustworthy."

The incident happened at about 3.15pm on Saturday, March 9, but unfortunately, the woman, who was extremely shaken following the theft, was unable to give a clear description of the men to the police.

ANYONE who saw the men or has information about the incident should contact St Helens Crime Management Unit on 0151 777 6050 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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