DETECTIVES are appealing for information after callous crooks targeted two homes in a Basingstoke suburb.

Between noon and 12.45pm on Thursday, March 13, three men forced their way into the home of a 60-year-old woman in Tasmania Close, Popley, Basingstoke, after claiming they were there to check the boiler.

The thieves then took £60 in cash from her.

One of the men is believed to be in his 20s, another in his 30s and a third in his 50s.

All were wearing dark clothing, hats and gloves.

On the same day, an 85-year-old man was targeted in a similar distraction burglary.

The pensioner was in his home, in Falkland Court, Popley, when two men walked in at about 12.30pm and started turning on the taps in the kitchen.

One of the men then took a significant amount of cash from the elderly man's wallet.

The other man carried out a search of the flat and stole more cash from a chest of drawers.

The first man is described as white, in his late 20s, about 6ft and wearing a suit.

The second man is described as white, also in his late 20s, and was wearing blue jeans.

Detective Constable Tim Chappell, of the priority crime team at Basingstoke CID, said both incidents are being linked and urged residents to be on their guard if people they don't know call at their door.

He added: "These are despicable crimes that target vulnerable people who are unable to defend themselves.

"We are taking both incidents very seriously."

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Chappell, at Basingstoke CID, on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.