Police have announced they are linking a series of incidents in southern Oxfordshire which officers believe could be part of a pattern.
In the first incident, on 6 September, two men entered the home of an elderly woman claiming to come from the water board. When they left the victim noticed £250 cash was stolen.
In a similar incident in East Challow on the same day a resident disturbed two men in the garden who said they were from Southern Electric and were looking for electricity meters.
Police were also called to an incident in East Hendred on Friday 15 September after a householder challenged a man she found in her house. He said he had found a dog and wondered if it was hers.
On Wednesday (20/9) a woman visited the home of a 98-year-old woman saying that she was a district nurse and would come back to administer a flu jab. Local health officers have said they have no knowledge of the district nurse.
Crime Reduction Adviser Sarah Merritt said: “Our advice is always to get a door chain fitted and always use it when you are opening the door.
“Ask a caller for an identity card and call the utility company to confirm their identity. If you have any concerns at all about their identity phone the police straightaway.
“Also remember to keep doors and windows locked to prevent someone coming into the house when you are in.
“A reputable organisation will make appointments before coming to see you. I would also encourage people not to buy door to door.
“If you would like crime reduction advice or advice on how to avoid falling victim to distraction burglaries I would hope people would contact me or my colleagues for advice.”
Anyone who would like crime prevention advice should call Sarah Merritt, of Wantage Police, or their local crime reduction adviser, on 0845 8 505 505.