Police are appealing for witnesses after two 85-year-old women were victims of distraction burglaries in Oxfordshire.

At about 3pm on Friday, three men knocked on the door of one of the women’s home in Adderbury claiming to be from the ‘Water Board’. They entered her home and stole around £50 in cash from her purse.

At about 4pm, a man forced his way into a woman’s home in Cassington claiming she had a burst pipe. He made her go into the bathroom and turn on all of her taps. Two other men then entered the house. The offenders made off with about £70 in cash.

The men are believed to be white and were all wearing smart clothing.

Det Sgt Gavin Collier, of Cherwell’s Priority Crime Team, said: “This type of burglary is particularly nasty and can leave the victim distressed. We are keen to catch the offenders.

“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. It is important to know that there is no such thing as the ‘water board’.

“I would urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours or people they care for to check their home security and alert them to the dangers of opening the door to a stranger.

“Distraction burglars prey on the elderly and vulnerable. If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, I would urge you to contact police immediately.”