AN elderly woman was the victim of a distraction burglary in Rubery on Tuesday, after a man knocked her door, claiming to be her neighbour's nephew.

The man asked for piece of paper to leave the neighbour a note, and while the victim left to get it, the man entered the front room and stole her purse, which had a small amount of cash inside.

The elderly woman was not hurt, but was understandably shaken afterwards.

The incident took place on the evening of Tuesday, August 23 on New Inns Lane.

The crook is described as a white male, around 5 ft 7, slim build with short dark hair. He was said to be wearing dark clothing.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 775s.

The Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team are also asking residents to be wary of unexpected callers at the door and to look out for elderly family and neighbours.

For further advice on preventing distraction burglaries or cold callers contact the team onhr.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk.