Romsey police believe a man claiming to be involved in a European survey may be a would-be burglar targeting elderly householders in the town.

The man has called at a number of households and informed the elderly occupants they had been chosen to take part in the survey.

He then asks if anyone else lives at the property and if they will be at home on certain days when it might be more convenient to call back to ask further questions. Police believe the man who calls himself a 'researcher' is trying to find out when the homes are likely to be unoccupied.

The man called at one woman's home and asked her if she lived alone and when the woman would be out.

Romsey-based Sergeant, Nigel Hart said: "We would urge all householders and especially vulnerable or elderly residents to treat such callers with suspicion. We would also ask that they thoroughly check the identity of any caller and verify this by phoning the number on the ID card.

"We would also strongly advise residents not to provide any information about when they are likely to be in or out and ask anyone who has been contacted in this way or receives a visit to call us immediately on 0845 045 45 45.