AN elderly Hampshire woman was targeted by a distraction burglar in her own home.

The 82-year-old answered the door to her flat in Burgoyne Road, Thornhill , to a man who claimed he was from a water company, at 3.20pm on Saturday.

The conman distracted her by asking her to watch a tap running in the kitchen and took at least £60 from a handbag in the bedroom.

The man is described as about 20 years old, clean and smartly dressed. He had a round, clean-shaven face and short, dark hair.

Officers are reminding residents to be wary of anyone claiming to represent a company or organisation who is asking to be admitted to a house or flat, and to demand to see identification.

Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Thomas Hewitt at Bitterne CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.