Officers are appealing for information after an elderly Ulverston man became victim to a distraction burglary yesterday (March 15).

At around 10.15am, a man knocked on the door of the victim’s Dale Street house and said he was a tradesman. He engaged in conversation about some internal repair work and was granted access to the property.

While in the house the occupant became suspicious and asked the man to leave. He did, but the victim later noticed his wallet and its contents were missing.

The suspect is described as a white man, 30-40 years old, over 6ft tall, of stocky build, with broad facial features. He was wearing a boiler suit.

Detective Sergeant Mike Wallace, of Barrow CID, said: “This does not appear to be part of any wider crime series but I’d advise local residents to be more diligent and not allow anyone without prior appointment and identification into their homes.

"Often these criminals target the elderly and most vulnerable in our societies, and I’d ask that friends and family educate their relatives to make them more vigilant.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to Barrow CID, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.