CONMEN tricked their way into a pensioner's home before making off with £700.

Police said a man called at the home of an 84-year-old woman, in Fountain Place, Waltham Abbey, posing as an electricity company official.

He told the elderly woman her neighbour had suffered an electric shock at her home and he was checking other residents’ wiring.

Two hours later a second man called at the woman's home and said he had to carry out urgent checks on her electric meter and wiring.

He asked to borrow a stepladder which he set up in a doorway to prevent the woman from leaving her kitchen, and stood on the steps for a short time before leaving.

The victim later noticed that cash she had taken out to pay her domestic bills had been taken from her bedroom.

Investigating officer PC Jacqui Mileham of Epping CID said: “We believe that the two men were working together and the first man sneaked into the flat while the other man was on the stepladder.

“This was an appalling crime where two thieves have deliberately targeted an elderly woman and stolen money she had saved to pay her bills.

“We want to hear from anyone with information about the thieves or anyone who has also been approached by the pair.

“We would urge all elderly people to be vigilant when people call door to door and demand to see identification cards before allowing callers in. If they have any doubts they should call the utility organisations to check that their workmen are in the area.”

The two thieves were both in their 60s, about 6ft tall and with London accents. One was of large build, with a big round face and short dark hair. He was wearing a navy blue jacket and dark trousers.

The second man was also of big build, had a round face, ruddy complexion and short dark hair. He was wearing a ginger-coloured jacket and grey trousers.

Anyone with information on the incident which took place at about 11am on Thursday, April 8, should contact PC Mileham at Epping CID on 0300 333 4444.