PENSIONERS are fighting back against bogus callers, with one 81-year-old woman telling thieves: "I'm not letting you in so you may as well go."

The victims have decided to speak out after three distraction burglaries in just one week.

A brave elderly couple were the recent targets for the callous criminals who try to con their way into people's homes.

A man went round to their house, in Elizabeth Avenue, Little Chalfont, on Tuesday at 11.15am saying he needed to check their taps.

The 81-year-old woman, who lives in the house, said she and her husband had been targeted just over a year ago by the same trick and she refused to let them in.

She added: "I wasn't going to let them in and neither was my husband. We had people come round last year and steal my handbag and other things, we wouldn't let that happen again.

"I was quite frightened but I can be quite a formidable old lady and I said 'I am not letting you in so you may as well go'."

An elderly woman, from Hogg Lane, in Holmer Green, High Wycombe, had £100 stolen after a thief rifled round her bedroom last Wednesday, while another pretended to be turning off her water.

The 85-year-old said: "They told me someone had been flooded and I let them in. I would warn anyone else to be extra careful and use the chain on their door."

In the third incident, in Bookerhill Road, High Wycombe, at about 1.30pm on Tuesday an 84-year-old man actually beat two bungling thieves off with his walking stick.

Kate Spark, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "We would advise residents not to let anyone in their home unless they are sure of their intentions.

"Ask any unexpected callers for identification and be sure to check that identification by calling the relevant authority or the police.

"If the caller is genuine they will not mind waiting."

If you have any information on the burglaries call High Wycombe Police on (01494) 465888