A PENSIONER was conned out of his life savings by a fraudster who targeted his York home – the fourth theft of its kind in a week.

In the latest incident, a bogus gas worker tricked his way into the 86-year-old man’s home in Field View, Clifton, claiming to be fixing a gas leak.

The victim allowed him into his home where the conman stole thousands of pounds from an upstairs bedroom.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area following the incident, which happened at about 2pm on Thursday, and have urged residents not to let anyone who they are not expecting into their home.

Detective Constable Fionna McEwan, of York CID, said: “This is a despicable crime targeting the most vulnerable and trusting members of our community. I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact us urgently.”

The conman is described as white, in his early 20s, with brown hair.

He was wearing a blue jumper and dark blue trousers.

Later that day, at about 6pm, two neighbours were also targeted by conmen at their homes in Chestnut Avenue, Welburn, near Malton.

Three men wearing suits called at the home of an 84-year-old woman and then her neighbour, claiming to be water officials fixing a burst pipe.

The men went upstairs and turned taps on, but then left both houses empty-handed.

A week earlier, on Thursday September 16, two men called at the home of an 82-year-old woman in Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, claiming to be fixing a neighbour’s burst pipe.

They told the woman to keep her hand on the tap while one man emptied the cupboard below and the other went upstairs.

The men then left with a number of household items after rifling through drawers and cupboards. They are thought to have left in a dark blue car.

DC McEwan said: “It is often difficult to get the message across to the elderly not to let strangers into their homes.

“We therefore encourage anyone with elderly parents or relatives to speak with them to reinforce the message not to allow cold-callers inside.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060247.