An elderly man from Wallington was tricked out of £83 by a conman claiming he worked for the council.

The incident took place on July 6, when the bogus official visited the resident's house in Carew Road and said he wanted to carry out repairs to a noisy extractor fan.

He then pushed passed the 83-year-old and ran upstairs, returning an hour later saying he had replaced the fan's motor and demanding £83 for the job.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged 45, and about 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a navy T-shirt and light coloured shorts and had receding brown hair.

PC Duncan Harris, crime prevention officer at Sutton Police Station, said: “Burglaries that involve bogus officials calling on elderly and vulnerable residents are despicable crimes. Often suspects claim to work for the council, utility companies or even the police. Their aim is to gain access to the property and steal small items of high value and cash. Always check their ID and verify who they are by calling the organisation they say they represent whilst keeping them shut outside. If in doubt, keep them out."

If you have any information to help police call Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747 quoting reference number 4008077/11. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.