Widow's life savings stolen (From Wiltshire Times)

Widow's life savings stolen

5:21pm Monday 21st August 2006 in Bradford By Helen Thomas

AN 88-year-old widow had her life savings stolen after a distraction burglary on Thursday.

Ellen Alexander, of Churches, Bradford on Avon, answered the door at around 8.30am to a man who said he had come to fix the water tank.

While he went with her to the back of the house, it is believed another man went upstairs and stole a quantity of cash.

He then called to the other man to go and they left the house together.

Pc Pete Clarke, of Bradford on Avon police, said: "It's a despicable crime without redemption. It's the lowest of the low to pick on elderly, vulnerable victims."

The first man has been described as white, about 5ft 8ins, of medium build with black hair swept back.

Police are reminding people not to keep large amounts of money in their homes and to be vigilant when strangers call.