POLICE are warning residents to be aware of distraction burglaries after elderly victims have been targeted in Redditch and Worcetser.

The first incident happened in Redditch on Eathorpe Close on Tuesday, July 1 in the afternoon.

A man tapped on the elderly victim’s window and asked if she would like some gardening work done.

The victim accepted, fetched her purse and placed it on the window ledge.

The man then leaned through the window and removed an unknown amount of money from the purse before running off.

The man is described as 40 to 55 years of age, with a medium to stocky build wearing a cap and fluorescent orange tabard.

The second incident occurred on Thursday, July 3 at around noon on Bromwich Road in Worcester.

Two men approached the address telling the elderly victim they could fix a missing tile on the roof. They then asked if they could use the toilet.

The suspects then stole about £11,000 in cash from a tin in the bedroom wardrobe.

Police are urging the public to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours following this incident and to report any suspicious activity to police.

Anyone who saw men of these descriptions acting suspiciously in the relevant areas, are asked to contact police on 101.

People can also also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.