Police today appealed for witnesses after two distraction burglaries in Steventon and Grove.

Between 12.45pm and 1pm yesterday, a man went to a property in Hanney Road, Steventon, claiming to be from the electricity board.

He told the occupant, a man, that he was entitled to a refund and distracted him while he stole his wallet.

The man was white, between 5ft 4in and 5ft 6in tall, stocky and was wearing a tank top-style jumper.

At about noon on the same day, a man, possibly wearing a suit, went to a property in North Drive, Grove. He said he was from the gas board and that the occupant, a 96-year-old woman, was entitled to a refund.

Det Con Rob Underhill said: “Fortunately the man didn’t manage to steal anything on the second occasion but left, saying that he would return later.

“I believe that both incidents could be related. On each occasion this man has targeted elderly residents, and I would appeal for anyone who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area to contact me.”

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Det Con Underhill at Abingdon police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.