A THIEF posing as a policeman conned his way into an elderly woman's home and stole her handbag.

The bogus cop showed a phoney identification card before telling the pensioner he needed to check her doors. Police are warning householders to beware and to also check with their local station if they are unsure about letting someone into their home.

The theft happened in Gale Lane, Acomb, York, between 8.30am and 9.30am on Friday, when a woman in her late 80s answered the door to a man claiming to be a policeman.

She showed him through to the back door, but while she was opening it the thief stole a handbag, containing a purse and cash, from the living room, and fled.

He is described as white, about 50 years old, 5ft tall, and has short black hair and was wearing a blue suit jacket and grey trousers.

A police spokesman said: "We would urge people not only to check for identification, but to telephone the police station to ensure the caller is genuine. The identification card should have a photograph, the North Yorkshire Police logo and the officer's name on it."

It follows an incident last month when a man called at the home of a 79-year-old woman in Lindsey Avenue, Acomb, and managed to steal between £500 and £600 from her after claiming to be a detective.

On that occasion, the bogus caller persuaded the woman to fetch him the money by claiming he needed to check the serial numbers on the notes.

Anyone with information about the latest theft should phone police on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 09:55 Monday, January 09, 2006