Police in Stoke-on-Trent are warning people to be on their guard against suspicious callers at the door.

Residents are also reminded to check, and double check, the ID of all callers.

A teenage boy called at the address of an elderly woman in Gill Walk, Hanley, between 9am and 9.15am yesterday, Monday 2 March.

The caller distracted the woman by claiming he was looking for a priest and stole her purse, which contained a small amount of cash.

After being alerted to the incident police officers attended the scene and carried out house to house enquiries and a search of the area.

Residents are urged to check, and double check, ID from ALL callers at the door.

Even if someone claims to be an official - and that includes police officers and council representatives - people must get their ID checked out.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant at all times and to follow this advice:

Never trust anyone calling at the door without a prior appointment. Should you receive such a call leave the door locked.

The caller will hear you through the door when you ask them who they are.

If they state they are from a utilities company ask for your account number, they should have this, if not, do not let them in and tell them to leave, and that you are calling the Police.

Always ask for ID, and check it.

Do not allow anyone to carry work out on your home, or sell you anything when they cold call at the door. If you do require work to be done, INSTIGATE IT YOURSELF, by phoning three companies asking for like for like quotes. Then decide.

Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home, you may think that you have the perfect hiding place, but these criminals will find it.

Please remember there is no such company as the Water Board, Gas Board or Electric Board. These words are only used by the offenders.

Always report any suspicious behaviour to the Police, if you think it is suspicious, it probably is.

Keep your doors locked even when you are home.

Residents should also follow the stop, chain and check rule when people call at the door:

STOP - If you are not expecting anybody and they don’t have an appointment - don’t let them in

CHAIN - Use your door chain or bar before opening the door

CHECK - Ask to see ID and double check this.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.