YORK pensioners were warned today to be on their guard after a bedridden 90-year-old woman fell victim to a conwoman and thief.

Emily Blackwell's purse was stolen by a young woman who got into her Acomb home by claiming she was raising money for charity.

Her niece, Ann Henry, contacted the Evening Press to report what had happened so as to alert others to the dangers.

Mrs Henry said her aunt was in bed at her home in Malvern Avenue on Saturday when a woman, aged about 18, knocked at the door and came in.

The woman claimed she was from "York Technical College" and was raising sponsorship for a cycle ride for charity.

She came in and stood by the pensioner's bed, apparently putting some forms on the bed. The pensioner took a £5 note out of her bag to give to the woman.

The woman picked up her papers and left, with Emily only realising a day later that her purse, containing £30 in notes plus loose change, had gone as well.

"My aunt was upset by it," said Mrs Henry.

Mrs Henry said she had subsequently heard from a carer that a woman in a nearby street had undergone a similar experience.

The young woman is described as being 5ft 6ins tall, with mousy brown hair and very thin, and she was wearing a black and white patterned short coat.

York Police Sergeant Colin Ventress said he was very concerned about the "cruel" targeting by a conwoman of an elderly and vulnerable person.

He confirmed there had been a number of such incidents, and appealed for anyone with information which could help police in their inquiries to call 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, November 27, 2001