A CRUEL gang conned their way into an 88-year-old woman’s home, ripped the intercom off the wall so she could not call for help and rifled through her flat stealing cash and jewellery.

The four thieves buzzed on the pensioner’s door in Richmond Crescent, Barnsbury, at 1.10pm last Thursday and said there was a leak that needed fixing.

She refused to open the door at first but they persisted and she let one of them in.

Once inside the man took her into her bathroom and began running the taps and talking to her about the leak.

As this was happening the other three men sneaked into the flat and raided the living room, kitchen and bedroom areas.

The victim realised what was happening and the men ran off, but she soon realised �170 in cash and some jewellery had been stolen. The intercom was later found abandoned in the communal hallway by police.

All four men were white, aged 20 to 40 and had English accents. One wore a navy suit and white gloves, another had on a chequered suit and another wore a brown suit. The fourth man wore a distinctive white zip up jacket with large black writing on the front and spoke with an effeminate voice.

Police Constable Kelly Knowles, from Islington police, said: “We are particularly keen to speak to any residents who may have had these suspects knock on their door or anyone who noticed these men in the area at the time. I would also advise members of the public to be vigilant and cautious when opening the door to strangers.

“This is a method that burglars often use to enter homes and steal personal property - claiming to be from a utility company or the council. If in doubt, and you are unable to verify their identity, don’t let them in. If they are legitimate they will understand and won’t mind if you need confirmation, call their company if need be”.

- Anyone with information on these suspects should call police on 020 7421 0172 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.