ELDERLY people in Bexley are being tricked into letting thieves into their homes.

Among the excuses used in recent weeks are roof damage, a water board official looking for a water leak, a council officer investigating a blocked sewer and a young man fund raising who wants his coins changed up into notes.

Both Bexleyheath police and Bexley Council are warning people never to let a stranger into their home without identification and never pay cash at the door for work.