ACT Policing is encouraging the community to be vigilant about their personal and home safety after a conman stole money from a blind woman on Sunday (2 August).

At about 12:30pm an 80-year-old O’Connor resident was approached at her home by a man who claimed he was there to check the sewerage. The man was invited into the woman’s home and while there, stole a large sum of cash from the victim’s safe.

The blind woman folds her currency notes in certain sized triangles to aid her in identifying the various denominations. Police believe this unique method will be identifiable even when the notes are folded flat and are asking members of the public to keep an eye out for currency folded in this fashion.

This incident also serves as a reminder to everyone that they should be taking precautions to minimise something similar happening to them.

Here are some tips:

1. If someone knocks on your door and you don’t know who they are, do not let them into your home.

2. Talk to people you don’t know through a locked security door.

3. If you’re unsure about their motives, ask them to leave. If they won’t leave, contact police.

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist with this investigation, if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area or if you have been a victim of this scam or something similar to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au Please quote reference number 5837619. Information can be provided anonymously.

Police remind people they should not report crime information via Facebook and Twitter pages.