MAYFIELD'S Elizabeth Guilford fell victim in her home to a cruel scam and lost treasured family heirlooms in a few minutes.

Ms Guilford, 71, wants other Hunter residents to be vigilant and hopes that speaking out about her experience may help her recover her possessions.

A young man came to her door last Thursday and said he was from the Central Coast and needed directions to Hamilton South.

While he distracted Ms Guilford, someone else broke in through her back door and stole her handbag.

"It took about three minutes," she said yesterday.

After a previous attempted break-in at her home, Ms Guilford put her valuables in her handbag, thinking they would be safer with her than left at home.

The items included a gold medallion for her father's World War I service, a gold medallion of her grandfather's, a cameo that belonged to a great-grandmother and a ring.

"It's not the money, it's the sentimental value," Ms Guilford said of the loss.

Her trust has been destroyed.

"People of my generation have been taught you're to help someone when they're in trouble," Ms Guilford said.

"Particularly young people, you go out of your way to help them and this is what you get.

"Next time someone comes to my door I'll be closing it."

Waratah police said several similar robberies had been reported recently in Stockton and Mayfield.

"This sort of break and enter has been around for quite some time," Waratah police duty officer Inspector Jim McArthur said.

"Someone will come to the door and say they've lost a dog or lost a tennis ball or asking for directions.

"The owner has unintentionally left the premises vulnerable while they are distracted.



"Contact police if you see anything suspect and keep an eye out for your neighbours."