A warning has been issued after would-be thieves tried to con their way into several Oxford homes posing as council workers.

Oxford City Council has told private homeowners and its own tenants to be wary of the scam after reports in the Barton and Iffley Road, East Oxford, areas of the city.

A council spokesman said "four or five" people had reported the issue, but each one had refused entry to the potential thieves.

None of the phoney council workers showed identification or wore city council uniforms.

The spokesman said: "We have been made aware of recent bogus visits to houses, with the callers claiming to be from the council.

"Local residents have reported receiving visits to their properties — so far in Barton and the Iffley Road area — from someone saying they are checking the thermostat and boiler in all council properties.

"A few of the houses they have called at have been privately owned and the residents have contacted the council to raise the alarm.

"The callers do not show any council identification and do not wear a council uniform.

"The council wants to make local people aware of these calls and remind residents that operational callers from the council will always carry identification."

Graham Bourton, head of Oxford City Homes said: "We take any risk to our tenants very seriously, and would encourage everyone to ask for identification when someone visits their house. All Oxford City Homes staff can be clearly identified by their council-branded shirts and ID cards."

Thames Valley Police said it had not been directly informed about the attempted burglaries but had liaised with the city council and shared intelligence with the authority.

A police spokesman advised people not to let any unknown caller into their homes if they did not show identification or have an appointment.

He said: "If people are unsure about a caller, ask them to return later when a friend or member of the family can be there, or tell them to make an appointment.

"If they say there is an emergency, check with the police or phone the city council to check they are genuine.

"If people strongly believe someone is a rogue trader or bogus caller, please call 999 and alert the police immediately. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere."

Anyone living in a council property who is unsure about callers claiming to be from the council should call city homes on 0800 227676 before allowing anyone in.