Police are urging elderly residents to keep out unknown and unexpected callers after two elderly residents were robbed by thieves pretending to be social workers.

On Saturday (October 9) a man stole a purse containing £300 after gaining entry to a sheltered bungalow at Richmond Green, Beddington, at around 5.30pm.

The 91-year-old resident had allowed the man, described as white with a local accent, into her property after he said he was from social services.

The day before (October 8) in Stanley Park Road, Wallington, two men forced their way through the front door glass panel of a disabled resident, aged 59, between 9-9.30pm.

The pair said they were from social services but left empty handed after having a look around.

One of the men was said to have an Irish accent and had ginger coloured hair.

PC Pat Simcox, of Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team, said: “These tricksters deliberately target the elderly and vulnerable in local communities.

“Residents should not allow in callers they don’t know or aren’t expecting and to call police immediately on 999 if callers are trying to gain access to your property.

“If you’re not sure, just don’t open the door under any circumstances.”

A spokesman for Sutton’s social services said staff would always book an appointment before a visit, if in any doubt they should ring the council on 020 8770 6080 to verify the ID of callers.