POLICE are on the hunt for thieves, after two elderly women were targeted in distraction burglaries.

The first incident took place at a property in London Colney, between 2pm and 3pm, on October 13. The second occurred at 11am the next day, at a property near Batchwood Drive, in St Albans.

In both cases, a man called at the property and claimed to be working nearby. He claimed to need to check the water supply and tricked the occupant into letting him in.

Whilst distracting her in the kitchen, a second offender is said to have entered and searched the property, stealing cash.

The main offender told the victim he would give her �5 to compensate the occupant for the water used. He then made excuses and left.

In the first incident, the main offender was described as a white man, aged between 29 and 40, around 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build. He has a round face, short dark hair and was wearing a jacket over a t-shirt.

The second offender is described as a white man, in his late 30s, of slim build, with dark hair. He was wearing a dark jumper and dark jeans.

In the second incident, the main offender was described as a white man, aged 30, around 5ft 7in tall, with short blonde hair and athletic build. He was wearing a blue denim jacket and blue jeans.

Investigating officer Det Con Jill Green, from Operation Manhunt, said: “We believe that these incidents are linked and are actively working to trace the offenders. Both these victims genuinely believed there was a problem with their water and so let the offender in.

“I would always urge people not to open the door to anyone they are not expecting and try to deal with the caller without opening the door. With the clocks changing this weekend and the nights getting darker, we find that these types of incidents increase so it makes this message all the more important.”

If you believe you witnessed these incidents, or received a similar call, contact police via the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.