AN 81-YEAR-OLD great grandmother says she 'nearly died' when thieves broke into her house and stole items with great sentimental value. The woman, who lives in Milton, but who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, is one of the latest victims o

AN 81-YEAR-OLD great grandmother says she 'nearly died' when thieves broke into her house and stole items with great sentimental value.The woman, who lives in Milton, but who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, is one of the latest victims of a spate of distraction burglaries.She described to the Weston & Somerset Mercury how three men knocked on her door posing as water board officials and proceeded to rifle through drawers and other personal belongings. She said they then took necklaces and other gold and silver items from two jewellery boxes, one in her bedroom and one on the landing of her semi-detached home. She said: "My son answered the door and one man said he was from the water board. "When he was asked for identification he said he didn't need any."Her son continued: "There were three all together. One ended up in the kitchen and I had to let the other two in. I didn't have any option."Two went upstairs and opened my drawers and wardrobe and one took my mother's handbag from her.The grandmother of seven and great grandmother of eight added: "They took all my jewellery. I nearly died when I saw it."One of them also pushed my chair and tipped my tablets on the floor. The items they stole meant a lot. When I went out anywhere special I used to put them on."But to think someone could pinch them hurts me more."Avon and Somerset police are urging residents to be wary when opening the door to unexpected callers.Detective constable Mark Hawkes said: "It is becoming more and more common that conmen and women are using the guise of water board officials to gain access to properties across North Somerset."These people often claim to need access to the internal water supply. Having tricked their way into a property and with the aid of others, they will search and steal cash and savings without remorse."These are offences of the most despicable nature preying upon vulnerable people."We would advise the community to be aware of these types of offences and encourage elderly family members and loved ones not to allow anyone into the house without being certain of their identity.