THREE pensioners were duped by thieving conmen who stole cash from their homes during a spate of distraction burglaries on Tuesday.

Police are warning elderly residents to be vigilant after three victims reported being burgled.

They were all tricked into thinking the thieves needed to access a utility meter.

The first incident took place at a property on Epsom Gardens in Appleton at around 1.15pm.

A 92-year-old woman let a man inside after he reported problems with her electricity meter.

She later found cash had been stolen from upstairs.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build with a round face.

He is believed to be aged between 30 and 40-years-old and wore dark clothing and a blue baseball cap.

The second incident took place at a property in Grange Avenue in Latchford at around 1.30pm.

A man knocked on the door of the property and told the victim − again a 92-year-old woman − that there were problems with the gas supply.

The victim let the man inside the property and became suspicious. After a short time the man left and nothing was taken.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build and believed to be aged over 30.

He had a round face and wore dark clothing and a black bobble hat.

The third incident took place at a property in Banbury Drive in Great Sankey, reported at 4pm.

An 85-year-old man was conned with cash, both pounds and euros, taken.

The thief is described as white, around 6ft tall, of stocky build and is believed to be aged between 30-35-years-old.

He spoke with a local accent and wore dark clothing and a baseball cap.

Officers believe that the 3 incidents are linked and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

DC Stephen Page, from the Warrington Pro-active Policing Team, said: "We are urging all residents - particularly the elderly and vulnerable - to be extra vigilant when answering the door to any unexpected callers.

"If you are unsure regarding the identity of the caller then keep them out.

“Always use a door chain if you have one when answering the door and always ask for - and check - the identification of people claiming to be working for a company or organisation.

"If the caller is genuine they will expect this and will be only too happy to provide some form of identification.

“If you are still unsure of their identity then ask them to wait while you call the company they claim to be representing − again if the caller is genuine they will expect this and will be only too happy to wait whilst you do this.

“If you are still unsure then call the police immediately."

Anyone with any information can call police on 101.