Surrey Police is warning residents of the latest ruse being used by distraction burglars after two East Surrey pensioners were taken in by the con. In both incidents a man called at the victims' properties claiming to be a contractor who needed to check their taps were working properly. While the caller engaged the residents in conversation and went through the motions of checking the water supply, it is believed that an accomplice entered the properties.

The first incident at an address in the Beggars Hill area of Ewell occurred at around 12.30pm on Wednesday, 28th September. The caller claimed that his company were doing work on behalf of the Water Board and had hit a sewerage pipe in the road. He advised the homeowner he needed to check her water was not contaminated and followed her into the kitchen, leaving the front door ajar. The victim later discovered that cash had been stolen from her handbag.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 10ins tall, of a slim build with short, brown hair. He was wearing a pink shirt with stripes and grey trousers.

The second incident occurred at an address in the Croydon Road area of Caterham on Friday, 30th September, some time between 11.30am and 12.30pm. The caller claimed he needed to check the homeowner's taps were working correctly and not leaking. After being invited in, the man engaged the victim in conversation for around 15 minutes before leaving the property. Later that day, the victim discovered that an untidy search had been made of his bedroom with three watches and cash taken.

The suspect in this incident is described as a white man, between 6ft 1ins and 6ft 3ins tall, with fair hair styled in a Mohican shape.

If anyone has information about either of these incidents they are urged to call the new non-emergency number 101, quoting EP/11/4291 for the Ewell offence or TD/11/4727 for the Caterham offence. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.

Force Crime Reduction Advisor Jamie Robinson said: "Specifically targeting elderly and vulnerable members of the community is a terrible thing to do and Surrey Police is working hard to educate those most at risk. Carers, friends, family members and neighbours can all play their part by looking out for someone elderly or vulnerable living on their own.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately."

Every householder can reduce the possibility of being targeted by following a few simple steps:

• Under no circumstances should you let an unexpected visitor into your home.

• Before opening your door, check who is there. Put the chain on the door, use a spy-hole or window. Lock the back door.

• If they are strangers, ask: Who are you? What do you want?

• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your garden, or somewhere that would encourage you to leave the house, they may have accomplices.

• If the caller claims to be from a utility company ask to see their identity card, keep the chain on the door and check it carefully. If in doubt, phone the company and check. Use a number from the telephone directory and not one given to you by the caller. Genuine staff from utility companies won't mind waiting or will call back later.

• Utility companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give you a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

• If you are not confident to deal with the person on your own, do not open the door, and ask the caller to come back when you have someone else with you.

• The golden rule is - if in doubt, keep them out. If you are at all concerned, call 999 immediately.