AN 81-year-old Barrow woman has been left shaken after having her house burgled by a man who pretended to repair a leak in her loft.

Police have launched an appeal to find the bogus contractor after a safe containing money and personal documents was stolen from the property in Marsh Street, Barrow, on Tuesday October 11 shortly after 3:30pm.

The suspect is described to be in his late forties, 6ft tall, of a broad build and with short fair hair. He was wearing glasses as well as a high visibility jacket and was in possession of a tool box.

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Police also want to locate a white coloured Ford Transit type van which was seen in the area at the time of the burglary.

The victim was extremely distressed after being tricked into letting the man into her house and is receiving support from specialist officers whilst enquiries continue.

Nearby homeowners have also been warned to always ask for proof of identity before inviting anyone into their home.

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Genuine tradesmen will always carry an identification card with a photo on but if you are still unsure police recommend that you call the company to establish that it is a genuine caller.

A number of local residents have already been visited but we would still appeal to anyone who lives or was in the area at the time to contact police if they have any relevant information.

Anyone with any information can contact DC Matt McFall by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.