Cruel trick or treaters snatched a pensioner's purse after she turned her back to get them a prize.

The elderly woman became the first victim of Hallowe'en wrongdoing in Oxford after answering her door to two youngsters, in Woodstock Road.

She went to her kitchen to fetch them a treat, but returned to find the teenagers had vanished - and a wallet was missing from a table in the hallway.

The distraction theft led police to issue a stark warning to other householders to be on their guard during the Hallowe'en festivities.

Pc Keith Raw, of the crime reduction team at Oxford police station, said: "We do not want to be kill-joys, but we do advise that residents be on their guard and not to be distracted by anyone calling at their houses."

The woman was said to be shocked and upset by the incident, on Tuesday night. The youths are described as aged about 12-14. One was white, with short hair. The other was West Indian or Asian and slightly taller.

Police are also warning that children could be putting themselves at risk by knocking on the doors of strangers.

Pc Raw added: "Parents of trick or treaters should also warn their children of the dangers of going from house to house on dark winter evenings and the possibility of frightening elderly or vulnerable people."

Anyone with information about the trick or treat theft should call Oxford police on 01865 263333.

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