PEOPLE are again being reminded not to let strangers into their homes after £150 was stolen from an 89-year-old blind man in Redditch.

The money was taken from the victim's wallet by a man who called offering to cut his hedge and then asked to use his toilet.

The burglar then sneaked upstairs, found the wallet and removed the cash before leaving without a word to the occupant.

Detective Sergeant Jill Fowler said the incident served as a reminder not to allow cold callers who knock on the door inside the home under any circumstances.

“The golden rule is not to let any stranger enter your home whatever reason or pretext they give.  If they persist, close the door and call the police on 101 immediately, or if you feel threatened by someone's behaviour, call 999," she said.

The Redditch incident happened between 3pm and 5.15pm on Tuesday, April 15 at the home of a registered blind man in Pine Tree Close.

DS Fowler said the same man first called at the address on the Monday offering to cut the hedge.  He then returned the next day, cut the hedge and then asked to use the toilet.

“Once inside, he sneaked upstairs, took the money from a wallet in a bedroom and then left the premises.”

The man is described as white, in his 40s, about 5ft 7ins tall, slim to average build, with short brown hair and was wearing a light coloured short sleeve t-shirt.

Anyone who may have spotted him, or has information about his identity is asked to contact Redditch police station on 101.

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, or via its website crimestoppers-uk.org.