POLICE are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a distraction burglary in Burton.

The incident happened between 1.30pm and 2pm on Thursday, March 27 at premises in the area of Treebys Close.

The occupier of the property, a pensioner, is having some building work done.

When the legitimate builders left for lunch an unknown man entered her property and demanded a payment of £1,050 for rent of a digger to remove rubble.

She handed over the full amount in cash and asked the offender to sign a receipt – he refused and left.

He is described as a white man in his 20s of slim build, approximately six feet tall with dark curly hair.

He was wearing a long-sleeved multi-coloured jumper which was predominantly red.

PC Jim Perks, of Christchurch police, said: “It was later discovered that this man was not a builder employed to work on the house and this was a callous theft.

“The victim has been left very distressed.

“I urge all residents, if paying for building work with cash, to ask to see a written invoice and to check the identity of the person requesting payment before handing over any money.

“I am keen to speak with anyone who may have seen somebody acting suspiciously in the area or has information that can assist with the investigation.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 27:295, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.