DISTRACTION burglars deliberately flooded an elderly woman s home in attempt to con their way in. Cambridgeshire police are investigating the incident, which took place in Broad Piece, Soham, last Tuesday. A 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man wh

DISTRACTION burglars deliberately flooded an elderly woman's home in attempt to con their way in.

Cambridgeshire police are investigating the incident, which took place in Broad Piece, Soham, last Tuesday.

A 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man who claimed there had been an explosion causing water to flood her kitchen.

The woman checked and found that there was water entering the house, and the man then said he would help her. He walked into her kitchen to show her the running water and asked her to try her bathroom tap. The woman then discovered another man in her living room. The pair left the house empty-handed.

The offenders had pushed the woman's hose pipe from her back garden through a vent in the kitchen and turned on the tap.

In an earlier incident in Orchard Row, on the same day, a man called at a home and claimed to be working nearby. He asked the 87-year-old resident to check his water pressure. However, the man realised the offender was not telling the truth and turned him and his accomplice away.

The first incident took place between 10.45am and 11.15am, with the second occurring between 11.30am and 11.45am.

DC Gary Loth, who is investigating the incidents, said: "These men targeted older residents who are seen as more vulnerable.

"I would ask people to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives, and urge them to make sure they double check the identity of anyone who comes to their door.

"If at all in doubt the residents should tell them to go away and ring the police or contact a neighbour, friend or relative who can help."

INFO: Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Loth at Parkside Police Station in Cambridge on 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

KEEP YOURSELF SAFE

* LOCK - Is your back door locked? If not, lock it before you answer the front door as distraction burglars often work in pairs - one distracts, while the other steals.

* STOP - Are you expecting anybody?

* CHAIN - Put this on before you open the door. If you have not got one, it is a worthwhile investment. It will give you that extra 'safe space' and barrier between you and the caller and then,

* CHECK - Ask for their identification card, take it and look at it carefully. Close the door and check the number in the phone book - not the number on the card. If they are genuine they will not mind waiting or coming back another day.