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.
Newton Abbot market hall close to opening
The Grade Two listed building has been transformed
Torbay care home put into special measures
Staff failed to keep residents safe
Paignton Zoo unveils roaring upgrade plans
It will be bigger, better and wilder
Devon student chosen for Common Wealth Games
Doaa Shayea lifts the bar!
South West Water told to fix flaws
Environment Agency identifies 250 required actions
Plans for large North Devon solar farm approved
44-hectare site given approval behind closed doors
