WINCHESTER police are investigating a distraction burglary against a pensioner in the city centre.

In the latest incident, two men posed as officials from the "Water Board" to steal £400 in cash and jewellery at a house in Water Lane at 4pm last Thursday.

Police are linking it to similar recent incidents in Eastleigh, Totton, Ringwood and Andover.

In Winchester, both men took the victim into the kitchen and asked him to empty a cupboard under the sink, to access the stopcock.

One man left the kitchen and the other offender told the victim he had gone next door.

The other man returned about ten minutes later and when questioned he also told the householder he had been next door.

The victim said he was going to call police and the conmen left. Soon after the victim discovered the loss.

Police are advising residents to be vigilant, never allowing anyone into their home without showing ID.

A new trick is for conmen to call and say the neighbour is ill. When the concerned resident leaves their house, the callers sneak in to steal.

Call 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.