POLICE have warned the public to be extra vigilant after conmen posing as water board officials have tricked their way into people’s homes and stolen money.

The force has received five reports of bogus callers visiting homes of older people in Southampton. Between midday and 4pm on Wednesday five homes in Millbrook, Shirley and Portswood were targeted.

Between 12pm and 2.45pm two men entered a home on St James Close, Shirley after claiming to work for the water board.

They told the victim, a woman in her 80s, there might be a leak in her home.

After the men had left the house the victim noticed over £600 had been taken from her purse in the lounge.

Between 2.30pm and 4pm two men purporting to be from the water board entered a house on Rockleigh Road.

Before leaving, they asked the victim, also a woman in her 80s, whether she had any change and proceeded to look through her purse, but they left empty handed.

Between 2.45pm and 3pm, a man called at a house in Honister Close stating he was from the water board, again telling the resident he was concerned they may have a water leak.

Whilst in the property, the man asked for change for a £10 note but the victim, a woman in her 80s, said she’s wasn’t able to help. The man then left and nothing was reported as stolen.

Between 3pm and 4pm, two men entered a block of flats on Pennine Road. They told a man in his 90s that they were concerned about a possible water leak in his home.

They were asked to leave by another resident, however more than £300 in cash was reported stolen.

PC Russ Smith from Southampton Central Police Station said: “Our advice is to always ask for identification and check it thoroughly when traders call at your door – even if you are expecting them.

“Genuine traders will not mind waiting outside while you look up their company in a phone directory and check they are a legitimate employee.”

He said the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries yesterday in affected areas to raise awareness.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious men or vehicles to call 101 and ask to leave a message for PC Russ Smith at the Western Investigation Team and quote Operation Liberal.

People are urged to lock all doors, even when at home and not to let unknown people in.

The message is “If you’re not sure, just don’t open the door.”