POLICE are warning the elderly to be extra cautious of door to door callers after a spate of distraction burglaries.

Con artists have been using a new tactic to get into people’s homes by claiming they have to check water pipes and boilers because of the cold weather.

There have been five incidents in Bristol and South Gloucestershire in recent weeks including one in Frampton Cotterell, when a 90-year-old man became victim to a distraction burglar.

At 7pm on Tuesday, December 29, the pensioner opened his door to a man who talked about frozen pipes. He let him in but later discovered his wall safe, containing personal documents and a cheque book, had been stolen.

Similar burglaries have been reported in Mangotsfield, Speedwell and Bristol and all the victims have described the conman as white, aged 20 to 30 and short, with short fair or light-coloured hair.

A second man seen at a house in Speedwell is said to be about 30, 6ft tall, of large build and scruffy.

South Gloucestershire Detective Inspector Richard Budd said: "I would ask people to look out for their vulnerable elderly family and friends.

"Call police immediately if you are suspicious of anyone knocking on the door of frail elderly people in your street.

"Thankfully the simple step of never opening your door without the door chain does prevent this type of crime."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the burglary team at Staple Hill Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.