A man has admitted to stealing cash from two elderly women after pretending to be a gardener.

On January 28 last year, a woman in her 80s had a man, Larky Hughes, knock on her door who told her he was there to do gardening work for her, police said.

She allowed him into the house on Buddens Road, Wickham, where he stole £80 from her handbag before leaving without completing any work.

The legitimate gardener employed by the victim was spoken to and confirmed he had not sent anyone on his behalf to complete the work.

In a separate incident on November 13 last year, Hughes targeted another woman, this time in Highfield Road in Gosport, police said.

The woman, in her 70s, let him in after he offered to do gardening work. He was invited through the house but the woman soon declined the offer of work.

As Hughes made his way back through the house he stole the woman’s purse which had £100 cash and a bank card.

He later returned to the address and was confronted by the victim and her daughter about the stolen items.

He denied stealing the purse but took £100 out of his pocket and returned it to the victim.

When pressed further on the missing purse and bank card, he simply walked away.

Hughes, of The Spur in Wickham, was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of burglary which he admitted when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, July 9, police said.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on August 2 for sentencing.

Police have now issued a warning to read the following advice and share with any elderly neighbours and relatives to help protect them from doorstep criminals.

A police spokesperson said: “Many legitimate businesses sell products door-to-door and gas, electricity and water companies need to visit to read your meters. Also, charities will often call seeking donations.

“However, fraudsters may also knock on your door in an attempt to get you to part with your money, or to get into your home to steal from you.

“Criminals may pose as builders or tradesmen, for example, and encourage vulnerable victims to pay vast sums of money for work that is either carried out poorly or not carried out at all.

“Discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or friend who can help you find a reputable trader.

“Always check the credentials of unknown callers. Anyone selling door to door needs a pedlar’s certificate, which you can ask to see.

“Don’t agree to any work or sign anything on the spot. Do not be pressured into having any work carried out.

“Never pay cash up front and never go to the bank or cash point with a trader.

“If you suspect a rogue trader is at your door, or if you feel intimidated or they are refusing to leave, call 999.

“Keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.”