POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after two distraction burglaries which police believe are linked.

At about 3.20pm on August 29, the 76-year-old resident of a house in Sandleigh Road, Wootton, near Abingdon, was asleep in her lounge when she was woken up by a man.

He told her he was from the water board, there had been an explosion nearby and he needed to check her taps. While in the bathroom with the man she became suspicious and discovered a second man in the dining room with her suitcase, which had been taken from the bedroom. She confronted them and told them to leave. A selection of costume jewellery was stolen.

The first man was white, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall, well built, between 30 and 40 years old, with a ruddy complexion. He was clean shaven and wearing a brown suit. He may have had an Irish accent. The second man is also white, but with a darker complexion than the first. He was around the same age, stocky and between 5ft 7in and 5ft 9in tall.

In the second incident, at about 4.15pm on the same day, the 84-year-old resident of a house in Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham, noticed a man in her back garden. When she confronted him, he said he was from the water board and there had been a flood next door.

She asked to see his manager and a second man appeared and said they needed to bleed the taps. After spending ten minutes in the kitchen, she went up to the bathroom with the second man. After ten minutes he said he had to make a phone call and left. The victim then discovered various crockery and cutlery, cash, jewellery and a suitcase had been stolen. The total value of the goods was over £3,000.

The first man was white, about 50 years old, with grey hair. He was wearing a flat cap and smelt of alcohol. The second man was white, in his twenties, smart, with short black hair. A dark-coloured saloon car, possibly a Rover 75, was seen in the area.

Det Con Chris Leech, from the Priority Crime Team, said: "It appears these burglaries are linked and both victims have been left feeling shocked and upset. These men purposefully targeted vulnerable and elderly people and preyed on their good nature and trust.

"To steal from elderly people in their own home is the most cowardly of crimes and it is important we catch these despicable thieves before they strike again. I would urge anyone who recognises the description of the man or who saw any suspicious activity in the area to contact me.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to advise residents there is no such thing as the water board and any utility company will not turn up unannounced. My advice to people is not to open the door to anyone you don't know who turns up unannounced. If you have elderly friends or relatives please ensure they are aware of this advice and stress how important it is not to open the door to anyone they don't know."

Det Con Leech can be contacted via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you don't want to speak to police or leave your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.