POLICE are warning residents to be vigilant after distraction burglars targeted a pensioner in Rudheath.

A man claiming to be from the ‘water board’ knocked on the elderly woman’s home at around 4pm on Friday.

Once the woman had let him in, a second man sneaked into the house and searched upstairs. Two neighbours saw what had happened and called the police.

The men then fled empty handed and ran along Greenway Drive. Police are trying to establish whether the men then escaped in a car in Porter Drive. The victim was unhurt.

One of the men was wearing a distinctive jumper with a square pattern on the front, similar in appearance to a golfing jumper. The other man is described as tanned and smartly dressed.

Det Con Rob Astbury, who is leading the investigation said: “We are concerned these bogus officials may have targeted other residents in the area and urge anyone who was visited by individuals purporting to be working on behalf of any utility company around that time to come forward and assist us.

“Furthermore, we urge all residents, particularly the elderly members of our community, to be vigilant and not allow anyone access to your home without first checking they are genuine callers and asking for identification.

“Any legitimate door-to-door caller would provide you with a telephone number to check they are genuine.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Astbury on 0845 458 0000 or alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.