Warning after burglary spree

ELDERLY residents have been targeted by thieves - and police are warning pensioners to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries.

Three of the burglaries and two attempted burglaries took place at sheltered housing accommodation in Meldreth and Melbourn.

On each occasion, an elderly person was targeted when a man tricked his way into the premises, saying he was from the water board or using a similar deception.

One victim was a 93-year-old disabled woman in Meldreth. The man who conned his way into her home was described as 21-40 years, of medium build, about 5ft 6in with short, fair hair and wearing a dark khaki jacket.

He left the woman in her living room before searching the rest of her home.

It is not known exactly what was stolen, but a small quantity of cash was found to be missing.

In Royston, a 90-year-old man was targeted when a man knocked on the back window of his home at about 11.30am last Wednesday.

The man claimed he was there to check the water.

While the victim went upstairs to turn on taps, the thief stole a wallet, which contained a small amount of cash and a bank card.

The thief was described as about 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with short, fair hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a green jumper and grey trousers.

Pc Paul Thornton, of Cambridgeshire police, said: "These sort of offences are carried out by despicable criminals who prey on vulnerable, elderly people."

Pc Thornton advised people with elderly relatives to speak to them about these type of offences and urge them not to keep large sums of money at home.

He said residents should always check for photographic identification of anyone calling at a property who says they are from an organisation such as the water board.

Anyone with information should call Cambridgeshire police on 0845 4564564 or Hertfordshire police on 0845 3300222.