Burglars posing as workmen stole cash and jewellery from pensioners in two separate incidents last month.

The first burglary happened at an address in the Beggars Hill area of Ewell at about 12.30pm on Wednesday, September 28.

A man rang the doorbell claiming he was working on behalf of a water company and had hit a sewage pipe in the road outside. He told the woman he needed to check her water wasn’t contaminated.

As the man followed her into the kitchen, leaving the front door ajar, it is believed an accomplice entered the property stealing cash from her handbag.

The man was white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft, slim with short, brown hair.

He was wearing a pink shirt with stripes and grey trousers.

A similar incident happened in Croydon Road area of Caterham on Friday, September 30, between 11.30 and 12.30pm with a man claiming he needed to check the man’s taps were working correctly.

Later that day the man discovered a room had been searched with three watches and cash stolen.

The man was white, 6ft with fair hair styled into a Mohican.

Force crime reduction advisor, Jamie Robinson, said: "Specifically targeting elderly and vulnerable members of the community is a terrible thing to do and Surrey Police is working hard to educate those most at risk.

"Carers, friends, family members and neighbours can all play their part by looking out for someone elderly or vulnerable living on their own.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately."

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on call 101, quoting EP/11/4291 for the Ewell offence or TD/11/4727 for the Caterham offence.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.