A 79-YEAR-OLD woman in Iffley was the victim of a distraction burglary, police said.

Officers said a man knocked on the door of her house in Meadow Lane at about 5pm on Monday, May 18.

He asked the victim if he could check the top of the garden regarding some pipe work.

She opened the side gate and walked up the garden with the man.

But as they returned to the house after about five minutes she saw another man standing at her back door.

Later in the evening the she noticed that someone had taken cash from her handbag upstairs.

Officers said the first man, who distracted her, is white, between 30 and 40 years old. He was smartly dressed.

The suspected burglar is a white man, also between 30 and 40 years old. He was scruffily dressed.

Police spokeswoman Michelle Beahan said: “Most people who call at your home will be genuine, but it’s important to be on your guard and remember there are some callers who will turn up unannounced and have the intention of tricking their way into your property to steal.

“These people often work in pairs.

“While one person distracts the homeowner, the other gains entry to your home to steal.

“Typical scenarios include stories of an emergency gas or water leak.

“Make sure that your door is locked when you’re at home.

“Don’t unlock it until you’re sure who is on the other side and make sure that your back door is closed and locked before answering your front door.”