A fraudster is tricking pensioners into letting him into their homes by claiming to be buying gold.

The offender has visited a number of homes in Worthing over the last few months and officers are concerned he may have stolen from them.

The burglar went to the home of a 71-year-old woman in Edgehill Close between 3pm and 4pm on January 13, claiming he was in the area buying gold and other valuable items.

He persuaded the woman to let him into her address and then stole items of jewellery before leaving.

The man was wearing a fitted leather jacket and had a black leather briefcase with him.

Detective Constable Andy Roe said: "The man has targeted elderly residents, in particular vulnerable ones, to get into their homes.

"There could be more victims in Worthing or elsewhere who have not reported what happened to them either because they felt intimidated by the man or foolish that they had allowed someone they did not know into their homes.

"I would urge anyone who was visited the man to contact us, whether or not they let him in. Any information you have could be important to us."

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 987 of February 27, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymusly on 0800 555111.