Residents who receive meals on wheels are being warned of a man posing as someone who delivers the service to gain access to into their homes.

The warning comes after three incidents this month in Colliers Wood and Mitcham, where a man has attempted to take personal belongings after lying his way into the homes of vulnerable adults.

Merton Council has alerted the police and the contractor Sodexo.

People have been advised to ask for identification from people at the door and to be vigilant to suspicious behaviour.

The council said all legitimate drivers wear a shirt and fleece jacket with a red Sodexo logo on the shoulder, and they may wear a yellow vest.

It added drivers carry a photographic ID badge on a Sodexo lanyard and meals are delivered in a small white van with Sodexo signage on the sides and rear.

Merton’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, said: “The council takes the wellbeing and safety of its residents seriously.

"I advise adults using the meals on wheels service to ask anyone visiting their home for identification.

“We will also be advising our carers to be extra vigilant and raise any suspicious behaviour with the police.”

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman could not find a record of the incidents when asked.