POLICE are hunting for a conman who stalked a pensioner and stole hundreds of pounds from him.

The conman cold called at the pensioner’s house in Finchingfield Way, Colchester.

He said the victim’s roof needed fixing and then drove off saying he had to go and collect materials.

The homeowner, who is in his 70s, went to the cashpoint in Mersea Road.

But the conman followed him and demanded draw out hundreds of pounds in cash.

He then drove off with the money.

Investigating officer PC Adam Westall said: “The suspect in this incident was an opportunist who quickly identified that he could exploit a vulnerable member of our community.

“We need identify this suspect before other elderly and vulnerable people are conned out of their hard earned cash.”

Police have called it an act of fraud.

County and borough councillor Dave Harris described the con as disgraceful.

He said: “I’m hopeful we can get the message out as a warning so this does not happen to other people.

“It’s disgraceful, it’s preying on the elderly and most vulnerable members of society. 

“My advice is if you are wary about tradesmen ask for a calling card and if you are worried about being pressurised speak to a neighbour.”

Ray Hardisty, who is the chairman of Age Concern Colchester, said the golden rule was not to trust anyone you don’t know.

He said: “We advise everybody not to accept requests or demands for money from strangers, no matter what the reason given is.

“This includes everything from household bills to house repairs.”

Police are trying to find the owner of the car pictured following the incident, which happened just after 11am on Wednesday, October 4.

This suspect has been described as being around 6ft tall, white, of a slim build and spoke with an Irish accent.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.