Tricksters who claim they are searching for a lost cat have been targeting elderly residents in the central Eastleigh area.

Police are warning pensioners to beware of the young burglars who distract their victims by stating they are searching for a lost moggie.

Shocked householders, who believed the fraudsters' tale of woe, found cash missing after giving them access to their homes.

Three Eastleigh properties were targeted over the weekend and cash taken from two after occupiers fell for the lost pet story.

There has been a similar incident in the past in the Romsey area.

Eastleigh crime Reduction Officer Barbara White said: "It is the most despicable crime aimed predominantly at vulnerable and elderly people"

She said that these type of criminals used different ploys and the lost cat story was calculated to play on people's emotions. "They use this to exploit elderly and vulnerable people," she added.

Police advice to all householders is to take the utmost care when answering the door to unknown callers.

People who get suspicious strangers calling should report all incidents immediately.

If in doubt always dial 999 and make a note of their descriptions.