POLICE are urging homeowners to be on their guard following a spate of burglaries targeting elderly residents.

A number of what police describe as "distraction burglaries", so called because the thieves 'distract' the homeowner with a story before stealing from them, have been reported in Southampton and Eastleigh since the new year.

Several elderly residents in sheltered accommodation were targeted by conmen posing as police officers.

Jessie McCarthy, a 91-year-old great grandmother, had £400 stolen from her room at Leslie Loader House in Sholing by a gang who police believe could have struck at a number of other residential homes. Last week two more incidents were reported at a residential home on Exford Avenue.

Several thousand pounds was stolen from a 72-year-old man on Mousehole Lane after he let a woman into his house.

She claimed her car had broken down. The wave of burglaries had prompted police to issue advice to elderly homeowners.

A spokeswoman said: "Bogus callers can appear to be credible callers. They often claim to be utility workers, council officials or even police officers.

"They are very persuasive and often easily talk their way into homes, but once in they will steal money and valuables.

"Research into this type of crime shows that senior citizens are their main targets."