CALLOUS thieves have conned three elderly women for petty cash in a series of distraction burglaries across Basingstoke.

Two white men posing as water board officials knocked on the doors of the three elderly women asking to check the water flow.

While the homeowners were distracted one of the bogus men searched the rest of the house.

A total of £100 was taken from a handbag at a home in Wessex Close, Kings Furlong.

Nothing was taken from the other two properties in Falkland Road, Popley, and Westray Close, Oakridge but officers are linking the three incidents.

The burglaries took place between 3pm and 6pm on Tuesday (November 17).

A spokesman from Hampshire police said a description of the men could not be provided at the moment but asked anyone with any information about these incidents to come forward.

PC Mike Ahearne, from Basingstoke CID, said: “If you know any vulnerable person where you live, please be vigilant when they receive visitors.

“When answering the door to people you do not know, use a door chain until you are satisfied about who they are.

“Check the identification of all cold callers and if you are unsure about them, do not let them in.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Ahearne at Basingstoke police station on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.