E-FIT images of men whom police believe have carried out 13 distraction burglaries across the county including six in the St Albans district, have been released by police.

Herts Advertiser: E-fits of distraction burglarsE-fits of distraction burglars (Image: Archant)

They think the incidents, five of which occurred in Harpenden, Smallford and St Albans during December, are linked to the others in Herts and possibly beyond.

Herts Advertiser: E-fits of distraction burglarsE-fits of distraction burglars (Image: Archant)

Two men – but there could be an additional one – are thought to be travelling the county, targeting older people. In most incidents one of the men cons their way into the victim’s property by telling them that he is working on a neighbouring property, has burst a pipe and needs to check the victim’s water supply.

He then distracts the victim in the property while a second man comes in and commits a burglary.

One of the most recent incidents occurred in St Albans on Monday, February 4, when cash was stolen from the house of a woman in her late 80s.

The men are described as white with Irish accents and between the ages of 30 and 50. One is said to have a very slim build and the second is said to be larger.

Det Sgt Mark Clawson from the specialist team, Operation Manhunt, said: “The victims’ ages have ranged from 77 to 93, and we know they target older people because they tend to keep larger amounts of cash at home and will not be so suspicious of unannounced callers.

“These criminals are extremely convincing so if you open the door they will talk their way in.

If you have older relatives or neighbours I would urge you to take some time to tell them not to open the door to anyone they aren’t expecting.

“If you can help us identify these men, please call police via the non-emergency number on 101. If you believe you see these men acting suspiciously, call police immediately via 999.”