A 79-year-old widower says he has lost all trust in people since two thieves conned their way into his home, claiming to be his friends.
The man, who has lived alone since his wife died four years ago, lost £1,500 to the pair, who called at his Leicester home last week and claimed to have known him years ago.
The thieves – a woman and a man – pushed their way into the house in Uppingham Road, Spinney Hills, and began searching the downstairs rooms.
The man, who has asked to remain anonymous, said the woman then held his arm while her accomplice searched the upstairs bedrooms – where he found £1,500 in cash.
As the thieves prepared to leave, the woman hugged the man and pulled down his trousers, apparently to stop him following them out.
He said: "It's a terrible thing to say, but I have lost my confidence and all my trust in people.
"These people came to my door and when I opened it they said they had known me in the past.
"I was sure I'd never seen them before but they pushed their way inside and began searching.
"They didn't hit me but the woman held my arm to make sure I stayed in one place while the man was searching the bedrooms upstairs.
"They were both very calm and professional. I would be astonished if they hadn't done this before and I am sure they will do it again."
"I'll never let this happen to me again. I've got a good chain on my front door now and I will not allow any strangers into my home."
The couple called at the man's home at 11am on Sunday, October 21.
Police have appealed for help tracing the pair.
Detective Constable Louise Osborne said: "It's terrible to think that these two people targeted this man, claiming they knew him, and then stole his money.
"I hope anyone who has information about these two people will call us and help us with our inquiries.
"You may have also been approached by these people. Perhaps you spoke to them or maybe you saw them and recognise them?
"If so, please call us, no matter how insignificant the information you have seems."
The man is white, aged 20 to 30, about 5ft 3in. He has short, dark hair and spoke with an Eastern European accent.
The woman is white, in her 20s and of medium to large build. She has dark brown hair, which the victim told police may have been long and tied back. She also spoke with an Eastern European accent.
Contact Det Con Osborne on 101.
