CONMEN used a

four-year-old boy to help them steal from an

86-year-old woman.

One of the men went with the boy to the victim's home in Canterbury Road, Tilgate, Crawley, and asked if they could get the child's ball from her garden.

As she went to help them, an accomplice slipped into her house and stole £400.

The men were scruffy and in their late twenties. The one with the boy was 5ft 7in, with dark swept-back hair, stubble and wearing dark clothing. The other man was fair and wearing a blue coat.

Sgt Steve Keeler warned residents to be extra vigilant in dealing with people at the door making unusual requests.

He said: "Don't let them walk through your house and don't leave the door open. If you are at all concerned, call the police."

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