AN elderly woman lost more than £1,000 to a bogus caller posing with a clipboard.

Police said the 89-year-old returned to her flat in Milton Mains Court, in Clydebank, Glasgow, on Thursday when she saw the man, with a clipboard, entering the close behind her.

Her door went shortly afterwards and she opened it to find the man standing there, claiming to be from the water board. He said there was a problem with her drains and requested access inside.

She let him inside and he distracted her in the kitchen while a younger man, seen outside with the other man, entered her home and ransacked her bedroom. He took a four figure sum of money from her purse.

The elderly victim realised what had happened after the man left and contacted the police.

The first suspect is described as being in his 40s, of stocky build and wearing a fawn coloured hat, light coloured clothing and work boots.

The second suspect is described as being a younger man.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Macarthur from Clydebank CID said: “This was a despicable crime which has left an elderly woman extremely upset and without a significant sum of money.

“It is absolutely vital that we trace these abhorrent individuals and I would appeal to anyone who noticed men matching the above descriptions loitering in the area, or even answered the door to one of them, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge people to be extra vigilant and ensure elderly relatives and neighbours are aware of the dangers of letting people into their homes without verifying their identity."

Call 101 with any information.