A PENSIONER was conned out of hundreds of pounds by a rogue trader.

Police were alerted to the incident in Lettons Way, Dinas Powys on Wednesday, January 11, by the distressed victim.

She told officers a man in a white van had called at her home offering to carry out work on a number of occasions in the past few months.

The woman had always declined, but on Wednesday, the man approached her again and she agreed he could repair her guttering.

After she handed over £280, the man asked for a cup of tea.

The victim obliged, but when she returned, the man had vanished with his tools, his van and the victim’s money.

The man is described as short with thinning fair hair and with missing front teeth.

At the time of the incident, which occurred at around 1.15pm, he was wearing a blue anorak.

His van was plain white with a ladder attached.

Deputy local policing inspector, sergeant Abi Biddle, said: "This was a despicable act in which the victim was targeted in her own home.

"The suspect has persisted to call at the woman’s address despite having been told on a number of occasions that she did not want work carried out.

"I want to remind the public to be on their guard and to be extremely cautious about handing over their money.

"I’d also appeal to people to look out for their neighbours, particularly older residents as they appear to be more vulnerable to these types of offenders.

"Legitimate traders won’t mind being asked for identification, nor will they mind waiting outside while you check its authenticity.

"They also won’t pressure customers to hand over cash, particularly before any work has been carried out.

"Homeowners are well within their rights to ask these people to leave their property, and anyone who feels threatened or pressured should contact police via 101, or 999 if an emergency, to report their concerns," she said.

Anyone with information about the Lettons Way incident is urged to contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting reference 1700012870.