POLICE are warning residents to be vigilant after more than ten homes across west Hampshire were hit by bogus callers in one day.

In Calmore, the homes of two elderly residents were targeted by three bogus Southern Water Board officials. One couple lost £250 and the other an undisclosed sum.

In Andover, the home of two 76-year-olds in Clarendon Road was targeted by two men who said they were investigating a leak. The occupants became suspicious and the men fled empty handed.

A Ringwood couple, aged 86 and 92, lost more than £400 when a man, posing as a community liaison officer, got into the house while they were watching TV.

Anyone who is able to assist police with their inquiries should phone their local police station on 0845 045 45 45 and quote Operation Liberal, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, an elderly Winchester man was conned of £400 worth of cash and jewellery after two men conned their way into his home in Water Lane posing as Water Board officials.

It came on the same day that the Daily Echo revealed that a 90-year-old Southampton woman was targeted by a bogus police officer who escaped with jewellery worth over £1,000.

There was also a distraction burglary in Oxford Road, Sutton Scotney.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Waterlooville police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.