Bogus council workers have stolen nearly £500 from an elderly Brighton woman.
Sussex Police said that the victim, who is in her 80s, answered the door of her Eastern Road home at around 9.50am on Monday (29 November).
A man claiming to be from the council said that he was checking water pipes in the building and the victim let him into her home.
The man sent the woman into the bathroom to check the taps in there and she discovered a second man in the property who stayed with her.
The two men said the taps and piping were fine and left. Shortly afterwards she discovered that nearly £500 had been taken from her purse.
Detective Sergeant Jackie Shaw said: “Neither of these two men had any ID to confirm who they were and they called at the property unexpectedly.
“Always ask the caller to prove who they are and why they want to come into your home.
“If you are suspicious then do not let them in and call police.”
The first man is described as white, of small build, with short smooth hair, 5ft 4in tall, aged 18 to 20 years and was wearing a plain black jumper and plain black trousers.
The second man is described as of Asian appearance, of medium build, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in, with dark scruffy hair.
He was also wearing a plain black jumper and plain black trousers.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
