Police are appealing for witnesses following two distraction burglaries in Oxford on Saturday between 4pm and 5pm.

The first burglary took place in the Risinghurst area where the three offenders, claiming they were attending about a water problem, entered the home of an 83-year-old woman and stole cash.

The second offence occurred in the Rose Hill area. The offenders again told the victim, a 75-year-old man, they were there to deal with a problem with the water and needed the victim to check the stopcock in order to gain entry. Cash and a wallet were stolen.

The offenders are white, slim and aged between 17 and 18 years old. The first was around 5ft 9in tall with mousey short straight hair, the second was around 5ft 10in tall with dark hair and the third was between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins and was wearing a black and white horizontal striped jumper.

PC Craig Burchall, of Oxford Burglary Team, said: "I appeal to anyone who was in the Risinghurst or Rose Hill areas of Oxford on Saturday afternoon and saw three men matching these descriptions to contact police immediately. It is believed that the men had use of a vehicle. They would have been dropped off around Risinghurst and possibly on the ring road around Rosehill.

"I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or carers to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.

"There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system."