Pensioners are being targeted by cold-calling daytime burglars, including a 92-year-old woman who had cash stolen from her home.

Merton police are asking the public to help reduce so-called ‘artifice burglaries’ in which criminals pretend to be from a legitimate company in order to gain entry to a property to steal.

In most of the nine burglaries recorded since March 29, victims have been over 70-years-old.

The two most recent incidents have been in St Helier ward, Morden, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, May 9.

The oldest victim was a 92-year-old woman and, in one case, a victim’s life savings were stolen.

The borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Williams, said: “I can summarise my goal into one sentence: fewer victims of crime.

“Please help us stop criminals who pretty on the elderly, and the vulnerable by checking the identification of callers who come to your door and if you are in any doubt, don’t let them in.”

Police said the crimes are not believed to linked but, in every case, suspects are white men with British accents who work either alone or in groups of up to four.

They have posed as employees from gas board, water board, and even as police officers, with the two offences on 9 May both saying they were from Dyna Rod.

In all but one of these crimes the suspects were allowed inside the property and, police said, the only time thieves did not get in was when a resident asked to see photographic identification.

Police have advised residents to:

  • Always ask for photographic ID before letting anyone into your home;
  • If you are in any doubt at all, refuse entry - legitimate callers will not take offence;
  • Never leave any cash or valuables in display in your home;
  • If you are ever afraid when someone visits your address, dial 999 immediately.

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