Police are warning Exeter residents to be on the alert after a burglar got into a house by claiming his football was in the occupant's back garden.
The householder, a woman in her 80s, went to unlock her back gate and the man went into the house and up the stairs.
She bravely shouted at him and he left empty-handed.
It happened at a house in Mincinglake Road and police think he may strike again - he was in his 30s wearing a black woollen hat.
Hospitals brace for Junior Doctor strikes
From frontline to picket lines
£40k of sports club machinery stolen
Thieves target lockups
Devon duo set for Sheep Shearing "Olympics"
International champions aim for world title
Dick Whittington delivers panto perfection
Shanie Richie returns to Plymouth - REVIEW
14-year-old girl missing from Exeter
Lola Tinkler was last seen on Saturday
Man reattaches flags moments after removal
He scaled his ladder as council contractors used a cherry picker
