THIEVES have duped a Hampshire pensioner.

A group of four rogue traders called at the home of a 71-year-old man over a period of two days offering to do unnecessary repairs to his property in Oak Road, Fareham.

The victim was duped into withdrawing a substantial amount of money from his bank account to cover the cost of the repairs.

This money was subsequently stolen by one of the offenders leaving the victim with the repairs partially completed.

Detective Constable Julie Way from Fareham police station said: “This is an awful crime against a vulnerable elderly male.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone else who has been approached recently by a cold caller offering maintenance or repair work.

Anyone who has information should Call DC Way on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.