A WOMAN barged her way into an OAP’s home in Poole and stole her purse in a distraction burglary.

The incident happened at an address in Macaulay Road, Broadstone, at around 3.15pm on Monday, March 4, police said.

An elderly resident answered a knock at the door and a woman who claimed to be selling hair products reportedly barged her way into the property before going into the living room, a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

“The victim repeatedly told the woman she did not want to buy anything, and she eventually left the address.

“It was only later that the victim discovered a purse containing £500 in cash had been taken from the property.”

PC Rachel Penhaligon added: “We are doing everything we can to support the elderly victim and identify the woman involved.

“I would urge anyone who might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or been approached in similar circumstances, to please contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who might still have any available dashcam, home CCTV or doorbell camera footage from the area covering the relevant time frame to please check it for anything that might assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240033428. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.