POLICE have issued advice following reports of suspicious cold callers in Hampshire.

Hampshire Constabulary were told of men entering homes in Southampton and stealing items last Friday under the premise of offering home improvement work.

Distraction burglars trick their way into homes by posing as officials or asking for help, such as to use the toilet or phone.

Police say the burglars often work in groups or pairs, with one distracting the homeowner and the other sneaking in.

The first incident occurred between 2pm and 3pm when it was reported that four men purporting to offer guttering work approached a woman in her 90s living on English Road.

After they left it was clear they had searched the upstairs rooms but nothing had been stolen. It is believed they left in a white transit van.

One of the men was described as young with an Irish accent and another as being around 50 years old with a large build.

The second incident occurred between 2.30pm and 3.30pm when it was reported that two men offered guttering improvements to a woman in her 80s living on Winchester Road, stealing a quantity of jewellery.

One man was described as white, aged 25 to 30 years old with a slight build and around 6” tall with slicked black hair. He wore jeans and a denim jacket and black gloves.

The other man was described as white, aged about 50 years old with a thick-set build and white hair.

He was wearing a mustard coloured t-shirt and shorts and thick soled, yellow coloured boots.

If you don’t know a caller, Hampshire Constabulary advises that you ensure your back door is locked before answering the front door.

You should also use a door chain and ask for identification and check it carefully before letting anyone in.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote 44170208961 for the Winchester Road incident or 44170209139 for English Road.