A HOARD of £10,000 worth of diamond rings, charm bracelets and cash have been stolen by a conman who tricked his way into an 86-year-old woman's home.The man, posing as a water board official, conned his way into the elderly woman's home, on Black Bear Lane in Newmarket, before searching both downstairs and first floor rooms while the victim sat in her lounge.

A HOARD of £10,000 worth of diamond rings, charm bracelets and cash have been stolen by a conman who tricked his way into an 86-year-old woman's home.

The man, posing as a water board official, conned his way into the elderly woman's home, on Black Bear Lane in Newmarket, before searching both downstairs and first floor rooms while the victim sat in her lounge.

After he left, she discovered that diamond rings and earrings, a charm bracelet, cash and a portable television had been stolen.

"We would like to appeal to anyone who saw any unfamiliar vehicles, or anyone acting suspiciously in Black Bear Lane at the time of the incident to contact us," said Suffolk Police spokesman Mike Nunn.

"We are also keen to hear from residents in the area who has received calls from door-to-door salesman, or from anyone who has knocked on their door who has not previously made an appointment.

"It may be that these people have valuable information to assist us with our enquiries."

The burglar is described as white, male and between 25 and 30 years old. He was around 5ft 3ins tall, with short, dark hair and of fair complexion. He wore a blue top and dark trousers.

The incident is the latest in a long line of distraction burglaries carried out across the county over the past two years.

Police are now reinforcing their message to elderly homeowners in the light of this latest burglary.

"Our advice remains that people should always check the photographic identification of anyone calling at their home," added Mr Nunn.

"If they have any doubts about the nature of the call they should not allow the caller into their home - the message is simple - if in doubt, keep them out, and call 999.

"We would also ask the families of elderly people to make their relative aware of the situation by discussing it with them."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened between 12.45pm and 1.20pm on Friday should contact Dc Stuart Williams on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.