A burglar posed as a police officer to gain the trust of his victim.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the man knocked on the door of a 91-year-old woman in Union Street, East Oxford at about 1.30pm on Saturday.
The man claimed to be a police officer investigating a robbery and needed to speak to the woman’s son or daughter.
He asked the pensioner if she had any cash in the house.
The pensioner counted out a bundle of cash in front of him, but nothing was stolen.
The attempted burglary comes after nine similar incidents, mainly in north Oxforshire.
Police are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are linked.
The man was white, about 5ft 8in tall, slim, in his 40s, and had dark hair.
Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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