An elderly woman's handbag was stolen from her home by a 'delivery man' in distraction burglary in Backwell.
Police have now launched an investigation, and have also warned people to be vigilant.
A man knocked on the victim's door, aged in her 90s, claiming to be dropping off a shopping delivery.
When she refused to take the delivery, he said he could only accept her refusal if she wrote it on a note. While she went to another room, her handbag was taken from the hallway.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "At approximately 2.30-3.30pm, on Tuesday 16 February, a woman living near Station Road, received a knock on her front door from a male who said he was delivering shopping to her.
"The woman, who is in her 90s, said she had not made an order and refused to accept the goods. He said he could only accept her refusal if she wrote a note to that effect and while she went into another room to do so, her handbag was taken from the hallway.
"The male is described as being in his mid-to-late teens, approximately 5ft 3-5ins, with short straight black hair. He did not have any facial hair."
PC Nikki Adams, from the Operation Remedy team, said: “Distraction burglars often target the most vulnerable or elderly, believing they are likely to be the most trusting.
“Although we believe this is an isolated incident at this time, we’d urge everyone to be aware of the signs of doorstep crime and to raise awareness with family and friends to prevent similar occurrences.
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“Anyone who saw what happened, or has experienced a similar call, should contact police on 101 giving reference number 5221034194.”
