POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after a number of pensioners were tricked into letting burglars into their homes.

An elderly lady was tricked by a man posing as an antiques buyer on March 5, at around 2pm.

The man asked if he could buy unwanted items and look around the flat in Watlington Court, Great Missenden, and then stole jewellery and ornaments.

The lady realised other items had been taken after the man, who bought some goods, left the flat.

The thief is described as white, aged between 50 and 60, of medium build with dark short hair.

Two days later, on March 7, a pensioner fell victim to a burglar who called at her house, in Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green, claiming to be from the water board, between 1.50 and 2pm.

He asked for the victim's pension number before leaving the house having taken £500 cash.

Later the same day, three men called round between 6 and 6.10pm at flats for the elderly in Colston Court, East Common, Gerrards Cross.

The men, described as Asian, told a lady that a downstairs neighbour was unwell and when she went to see, they entered the flat and stole £70 in cash, documents and other property.

Then on March 12, thieves stole £100 cash from an 84-year-old man after gaining access to a block of flats in Whitehill, Chesham, by pretending to be window cleaners between 11.20 and 11.40am.

The two men then told the man they were cleaning the inside windows of the flats but took cash from his bedroom before making off. They are both thought to be between 20 and 25-years-old.

Any witnesses to the burglaries should call police on (01494) 465888