Ten homes have been burgled by thieves posing as tradesmen over the last three months, according to police.

The crimes, which took place between June 4 and September 10, all involved a suspect knocking on doors and pretending to fix a problem.

Common disguises included plumbers, builders or water-board officials claiming to be fixing a leak, clearing drains or fixing a washing machine.

Detective Inspector Darren Hassard said: "We urge people beware of bogus callers and to be vigilant. The people carrying out these offences often claim there is some sort of leak, burst pipe, problem with boilers or urgent work that needs to be carried out, in order to scare and intimidate their victims into letting them in.

“If you think the caller is bogus dial 999."

According to police, a water board official who needs access to a customer's property should call beforehand.