Police are warning elderly householders against bogus workmen after three distraction burglaries in the space of a few hours.

Three men called at a home in Ledbury Road, Hereford, at 1pm on January 5, they then went to a property in Goodrich Grove, Newton Farm, at 1.20pm before going to a house in Callow End, Ledbury, at 2.20pm.

The men claimed they were workmen calling on behalf of, at various times, the water board, council, gas and electric company and gave plausible reasons to get into their victims' homes.

They did not have identification and they even asked to check one victim's pension book details.

The first man was described as 6ft tall with dark short wavy hair of slim build, around 30 years old, unshaven and wearing a blue top with white stripes down the arms.

His accomplice was 5ft 10ins medium build and aged between 20 and 30 years old. He had light brown wavy short hair, was clean shaven and wearing a blue top with a white motif on the left breast.

The third man was younger, a lot shorter (around 5ft 5ins), of slim build and possibly wearing a dark woollen hat.

DC Sue Prosser said: "These men are clearly targeting the elderly. We cannot stress enough how important it is for householders to always insist on seeing identification before allowing anyone access into their homes.

"If in any doubt whatsoever, don't let them in, secure your door and call the police."

Police also believe the burglaries may be connected with a similar incident that occurred in Worcestershire.

Anyone with information should contact DC Sue Prosser at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444 888.