Elderly people have been targeted in a string of burglaries across Elmbridge and neighbouring Spelthorne.

The most recent saw a woman in her 90s discover three men in her home, who claimed to be police officers when questioned.

One flashed a silver badge and, after searching several rooms, the men escaped with £50 from her handbag.

Police are linking that to another burglary in Windsor Avenue, West Molesey, between 5.45pm and 7.15pm on Thursday, February 23.

The offenders forced open a kitchen window at the back of the property and carried out an untidy search, but officers do not believe anything was taken.

A burglar posing as a police officer also made up an elaborate story to gain entry to an 84-year-old woman’s home Sunday, February 12, in Vaux Crescent, Hersham.

A similar offence occurred in Sunbury on February 23, when a man told the home-owner, who was in his 90s, that he needed to search the house for “intruders”.

Detective Inspector Stewart Leahy said: “Offences of this nature are always particularly appalling as the suspects often target elderly and vulnerable members of our communities.

“Fortunately on both occasions the victims were not harmed in any way but it is worrying that the suspects were prepared to use such underhand tactics and unsurprisingly both victims have been left shell-shocked and deeply upset.”

He urged all residents to be vigilant and not let unexpected visitors in to their homes.

Call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 with information.