Confidence tricksters are active again in parts of Oxfordshire.

Preying on single, elderly people, they pose as builders, gas, electricity or water company officials and, after bluffing their way into homes, steal money.

The latest incidents have been in villages in south Oxfordshire.

An 82-year-old woman living alone in Harwell allowed a man posing as a water company official into her home. She was distracted by the man who disappeared into the bathroom of the flat.

He left on the pretext of returning with tools, but failed to return. Soon afterwards, the woman discovered her handbag, containing cash and her pension book, were missing.

In Wootton, near Abingdon, a pensioner suffered a similar fate after letting in a man posing as a water board official.

The public utility services and the police have been joined by Help the Aged and the Vale Housing Association - which is responsible for nearly 5,500 homes - in warning residents. Help the Aged is sending out leaflets advising people on what action to take if strangers call.

David Woodhams, specialist services manager at the Vale Housing Association, said: "This is a very distressing experience, particularly for some of our elderly tenants. I urge all tenants not to let anyone into their homes unless the visitor can produce a valid identity card.

"If you are still unsure, most identity badges will have a contact number on them to ring to make sure the caller is genuine. If in doubt, keep them out."