A WOMAN in her 60s has had more than a thousand pounds stolen in a distraction burglary.

A man knocked on the victim’s door in Bridge Street on Tuesday, November 10 and offered to repair her home's chimney for a four-figure sum.

He asked for half the money upfront, which the 68-year-old woman paid him.

The suspect claimed he would return to complete the work but did not come back until 9am on Monday, November 23.

Dc Chris Sedgwick, of Braintree CID, said: "He claimed he had carried out the repairs but the victim had become suspicious and had already had the work carried out by another builder at a significantly lower cost.

"She challenged him and he asked her to go inside and write her name on a slip of paper.

"After the man left, she found a four figure sum of cash had been stolen.”

The suspect is described as white, aged about 50 years old, 5ft 7ins tall, of large build and with brown hair.

He wore a brown and green checked shirt or waistcoat.

Dc Sedgwick said: "I am keen to speak to anyone with information that could assist, particularly anybody who has also been approached by this man offering to carry out repairs.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Sedgwick on 101.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org