Police have released an e-fit of a suspect after an Abbots Langley pensioner was conned out cash in a distraction burglary.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said last Wednesday a woman in her 80s let a man into her house in Abbots Road after he claimed there was an emergency with the water supply in the area.

The man then asked the woman to turn on the taps and check under the sink while the property was searched and cash taken. 

The offender was described as a white man around 5ft 8ins tall with a ‘heavy’ build. He is believed to be aged between 40 and 45 years old and have dark brown cropped hair. He was wearing a dirty white or light grey t-shirt.

Detective Sergeant Pete Hankins said: "This man has clearly targeted this victim because of her age and preyed on her good nature by creating a false emergency in order to get inside her property to steal.
 
"We’ve worked closely with her to create this facial recreation of the offender. I’d urge anyone who may recognise this face or the description of the man given, to contact police immediately.
 
"Also, I’d urge people never to open the door to anyone they are not expecting. Never let anyone in unless they have a pre-arranged appointment, and if there was an emergency it is unlikely that the water company will need to access a person’s property."
 
If you can identify this man or have information about the incident, please contact Operation Manhunt via 101 quoting crime reference number C2/14/1750. Alternatively call Crimestoppers  on 0800 555 111.