Bogus workmen stole cash and jewellery after tricking their way into the home of an 82-year-old woman in Souldern.

Between noon and 1pm yesterday, two men called at the woman’s home claiming to be from the Water Board.

Det Con Jane May said: “They told the woman to go and wait in the living room. After about an hour the woman went to see what the men were doing and discovered the ground floor rooms had been searched and the front door was wide open. The men had stolen jewellery and cash from the house.

“We believe this incident is linked to three other distraction burglaries in Oxfordshire this week. I appeal to anyone who has information that could assist police enquiries to contact police immediately.”

The men were white and were dressed in dark clothing. One was short and aged in his twenties and was wearing a woolly hat. The other was tall and aged in his thirties.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Con May via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police and don’t want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.