POLICE in Barnsley are appealing for witnesses and information after a cold caller snatched an elderly man's bag containing £600, photographs of his late wife and a lock of her hair.
The incident happened at 10.50am on December 14 at a home on Baslow Road, Athersley South.
A man in his late teens to early twenties with ginger hair called at the door asking for sponsorship for a bike ride.
The victim, aged in his seventies, agreed and went into the house to get some money.
But he was followed by the man, who snatched a bum bag, which contained the sentimental items and hundreds of pounds, before leaving.
The culprit is described as aged in his late teens to early twenties with ginger hair, around 5ft 6in and of slender build.
He was wearing a high visibility worker's jacket and carrying a clip board.
Mark Perry, South Yorkshire area fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "We don’t do any door-to-door collecting or approach people in the street, though we sometimes have stands.
"All of the charity's volunteers are registered and have an official uniform and photo identification."
Any witnesses or anyone with information about the deception is urged to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 431 of December 14.
Alternatively people can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111.
