A WOMAN ‘barged her way’ into an elderly resident's home and stole £500 in cash. 

The victim was targeted in a distraction burglary at an address in Macaulay Road in Broadstone.

A woman claiming to be selling hair products knocked at the door before reportedly forcing her way into the property and going into the living room.

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

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

Police Constable Rachel Penhaligon, of Dorset Police, said: “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 can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240033428.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.