Police are urging residents in Didcot to be wary of unexpected callers after an elderly woman's handbag and purse was stolen by a thief posing as a water board official.

The man knocked at the woman's home in Broadway at about 2.45pm on Monday, claiming to be from the water board -- which has not existed for several years.

He said he needed to check the water pipes and the woman allowed him inside.

It was only after he left that the she realised her bag and purse, containing an undisclosed amount of money, had been stolen.

The man was described as being white, about 5ft 10ins tall, with short fair hair. He spoke with a Scottish or northern accent and was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

Didcot police have appealed for witnesses who may have seen the man to come forward.

The incident was the latest in a series of cons against elderly people across Oxfordshire.

In Oxford police have launched a crackdown to halt a rise in burglaries with a special emphasis on distraction burglars who con the vulnerable out of thousands of pounds a year.

Official figures from April 1 to the end of July show there were 496 burglaries in the city, compared with 440 in the same period in 2002 -- an increase of 13 per cent.

Police spokesman Victoria Evans urged residents to follow advice to protect against distraction burglars:

Have a doorchain or doorbar and, if necessary, a spyhole fitted -- remember: 'stop, chain, check'

Display a sign stating you do not buy or sell items at the door

If someone tries to sell you something, politely refuse and close the door. Respectable companies will acknowledge this and leave

Do not open the door if in doubt about the person outside. Always ask for identification and if necessary check them out by calling the company

If you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately, giving as much detail as possible.