Distraction burglars are busy again in Oxfordshire targeting vulnerable old people and the police have repeated their warning not to open the door to unexpected callers.

Two pensioners, one at Bayworth, near Abingdon, and the other in Burford, fell victim to the persuasive patter of the intruders, three of whom were smartly dressed and drove an expensive Volvo car.

At about 6pm last Tuesday, a man called at the door of a woman in Quarry Road, Bayworth, claiming to be a water board official.

The man said he needed to check her water supply.

The victim, in her 80s, was asked to run the taps in the bathroom while he conducted checks. He disappeared and later the woman noticed that £45 was missing from her purse.

Police are seeking a white man in his early 20s, slim, thin-faced and clean shaven with short, fair hair.

He was wearing a plain white T-shirt underneath a navy blue denim jacket.

The next victims were a couple, also in their 80s, who live in Frethen Close, Burford. At about 4.30pm on Wednesday, a man, with an Irish accent and dressed in a white shirt, knocked on the back door. He asked to leave a message for a neighbour who, he claimed, was out.

Police say they believe the caller then let one or two men into the house, who went upstairs and stole cash and credit cards from bedrooms.

A neighbour saw three white men, all dressed smartly in shirts, ties and dark trousers.

They drove off in a dark coloured Volvo.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Pc Stephen Patrick at Carterton police station, or Dc Chris Leech at Abingdon police station via the Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505505.

Anonymous messages can be left with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.