A CALLOUS female fraudster who conned three elderly residents in Crewe within a week is still at large.

Cheshire Police have had reports of three similar incidents in Crewe where a woman attended the homes of elderly residents claiming she was there to repair LifeLine equipment.

Once inside the address the woman stole a number of personal items from within the properties.

The offender is described a woman, white, aged mid-30s to early 40s, slim to propionate build with dark shoulder length hair.

In all of the incidents the woman has been smartly dress and wore a lanyard with a fake identification badge.

DC Simon Gidman from Crewe CID said: “An investigation in relation to all three incidents has now been launched and we are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with our enquiries.

“We would also like to remind all residents who use LifeLine equipment that the company will not attend your address without making a prior appointment.”

Cheshire Police has warned residents to stay vigilant in light of the burglaries, and has issued as number of tips to help avoid being scammed.

The police say you must always check the identity of callers by calling the company they claim to be from.

Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory, online or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller as they may be bogus.

Before opening the door, call a neighbour or friend to come and check out the caller.

If you do let somebody in to your home, close the door behind them as distraction burglars often work in teams. While you′re distracted another person may sneak in through an open door.

Don′t feel pressurised into letting them in. Help through a closed door, refer them to another neighbour or call to ask someone to assist.

Finally, be sure to keep any cash in the bank where it is secure, and if you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

Anyone with any information which could assist with enquiries is urged to contact the police on 101 quoting incident CC15162466.

Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.