Police warn of distraction burglaries in Amersham & Buckinghamshire

Four elderly women have been targeted in what Thames Valley Police believe are four distraction burglaries in Buckinghamshire.

All four occurred between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 23rd November and involved one or more white men claiming they were from the water board to gain entry to the properties.

The first incident occurred on Lower Road, Chalfont St Peter at 4pm when a 97-year-old woman answered the door to a man who asked to come in and check her water.

He went in to her kitchen and turned the taps for approximately 20 minutes and then disappeared, claiming he would be back ten minutes later.

The victim's daughter later discovered handbags and money had been stolen from upstairs.

The second incident took place in Station Road, Amersham just before 6pm when a 34-year-old woman answered the door to a man claiming he was from the water board and needed to check her taps.

She let him in and stayed with him, but while he was in the house, two other offenders entered and stole cash and a mobile phone from a 73-year-old woman who also lived there.

The third incident took place in Eastern Dene, Hazlemere, High Wycombe at 6.15pm when a 63-year-old woman answered the door to a man claiming there had been a leak in her road and that he needed to check her water.

When he was refused entry to her house he repeated the claim, before leaving when he was further questioned by the victim.

The perpetrator is described as a stocky white man between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins with a round face, mousey brown hair and aged between 25 and 30.

He was wearing work clothes and had a dark grey jacket, a dark woolly hat and an Irish accent.

The fourth incident took place in Warneford Avenue, Aylesbury at 6.50pm when an 84-year-old woman opened the door to three men claiming to be from the water board.

When she refused to let them in, they knocked the door again and when she opened it for a second time they pushed their way in. One took her into the lounge while the other two searched her house.

They are described as white, in their late 20s and wearing work clothes and hats.

Det Con Paul Cossey, investigating, said: "It is reassuring to note that the majority of the elderly people who were targeted did the right thing in not allowing these people entry and asking for identification.

"The message to elderly residents remains the same; if you are not sure, don't open the door. Ask anyone without a pre-arranged appointment to go to a trusted neighbour's house and ask them to come round with them. Anyone who is calling legitimately will understand.

"I would like to urge anyone who saw people matching the description and acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the offences to contact detectives.

"These people target the most vulnerable people in our society and I am determined to catch those responsible.

"Officers will be out today carrying out house-to-house enquiries and passing the not sure don't answer the door message to neighbours and other vulnerable people in Buckinghamshire."

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Cossey on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.