E-FITS have been released by police investigating three distraction burglaries in Stroud involving elderly victims.

Officers are examining possible links between the incidents, the most recent of which occurred in Cashes Green, Stroud, on Saturday, August 4. Sometime between 1pm and 2.30pm, an 82-year-old woman was shocked to discover a man in her home.

He claimed to be looking for something before swiftly leaving.

Later the homeowner discovered that a shopping bag, some £300 in cash and jewellery was missing.

In an earlier incident on Sunday, July 8, a 91-year-old woman was in her King’s Stanley home between 5.10pm and 5.50pm when a man walking in through an insecure door.

He talking to her about heating and pressure gauges before leaving the house.

Police believe both incidents may be linked to a burglary in Paganhill, Stroud earlier in year.

A 76-year-old resident was visited by a man claiming to be from the water board and requesting entry to check the water supply in the home.

The woman rightly refused and called police after the man left. Crime prevention officer, Paul Francis, said: "This goes to show these people will try anything to trick their way into victim’s homes. "These kinds of burglaries are always so despicable because the offenders deliberately target the most vulnerable members of society.

"Our officers are doing all they can to locate the offenders but I would urge members of the public to take extra care of their elderly neighbours by watching out for anyone suspicious loitering around or perhaps challenging someone you do not recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house."

Anyone who recognises the men in the e-fits should call police on 101.