THIEVES conned their way into the homes of pensioners during a five-hour crime spree in Southampton.

Four elderly residents were targeted by a gang of three men who posed as water board officials to get into the properties.

In each case cash was taken while the home owners were distracted by one of the gang who asked to check the water supply.

The first of the burglaries was reported in Butts Road, Sholing, where a 90-year-old woman was targeted between 12pm and 1pm on Wednesday.

Police believe the gang then moved to Harrison Road, Hampton Park, where they conned their way into the home of a 91-year-old man at about 1.45pm. Two more homes in Cedar Road, Inner Avenue, belonging to a man in his 80s and a 90-year-old woman, were then burgled between 2pm and 5pm.

DC Michael Zacharias said: "The people who have committed these crimes have targeted the very elderly and very vulnerable members of our communities. Those responsible are the lowest of the low and should not be shielded by anyone."

Det Sgt Phil Bateman said the victims had been left shocked, adding: "We are investigating whether they were targeted specifically but at this stage we have nothing to link any of the victims other than the fact they are very elderly.

"If anyone has seen anything suspicious or has had anyone knock at their door with a similar story then please contact police."

The first man was described as aged 30 to 40, 6ft, of slim to medium build with short ginger hair, having a slim face with some freckles.

He wore a brown or dark suit and was seen at the wheel of a car in Butts Road about the time of the burglary.

His passenger was a short white man, aged 30 to 37, of medium build, with a round face and dark hair cut short. He wore a white collared shirt with a dark coloured body warmer.

The third man was aged 28 to 36 about 5ft 2in, of slim build with brown hair and wore beige trousers and a blue denim shirt.

Anyone with information, should contact Southampton Burglary Investigation Unit on 0845 045 4545.