A pensioner was burgled by a fraudster who tricked his way into her home.

The 78-year-old victim let the man into her house in Brookhill Road, Copthorne shortly before 5pm on August 16 after he convinced her he was doing work for her neighbour and wanted to measure her garden to put up a fence.

They went into the woman's back garden and the man began pacing the distance to the house. While the victim was still outside he went into the home, searched rooms and stole £60 before leaving.

The thief was white, in his mid 30s and 5'6" or 5'7". He had short dark hair and was clean shaven. He was wearing a blue and white horizontally striped t-shirt and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 1130 of 16 August or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.