A man who entered a home offering to do building work has stolen a wallet containing cash and bank cards.

The victim, a man in his eighties, answered a knock at the door of his home in Martinsdale, Clacton, between 12.30pm and 1pm on Monday to a man who offered to do some building work.

After he left the victim realised his wallet was missing from the kitchen, which contained a three-figure sum of cash, bank cards and his bus pass.

Anyone with information should contact Clacton CID on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Essex police’s advice on dealing with bogus callers:

• Don’t be frightened to ask for identification and always check it carefully. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day.

• Think about installing a door chain and use it. Keep the door on the chain until you’ve seen identification.

• If you need your glasses to read the identification, close the door before going to find them. Don’t leave the door open and unattended.

• Remember to lock the back door before opening the front.

• Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions.

• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house.

• Don’t believe scare stories. Not all callers are genuine.