BURGLARS have been using a new “confidence trick” to gain access into people’s homes.

They have been knocking on doors in Grays and asking for a pen and paper – a distraction technique used so the burglar can get in to the house.

Police are warning about the ruse to prevent more people being fleeced.

The burglary in Grays happened on January 8 after a couple knocked on the door of a house in the River View area.

An 80-year-old man answered the door and was asked for a pen and paper so they could leave a message with one of his neighbours.

The woman trickster then went into the house and distracted the victim while the man stole a wallet containing cards and £45 cash.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact their local CID on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.