A senior police officer is calling on communities in Oxfordshire to "fight back" against conmen preying on elderly people.

Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, Thames Valley Police's area commander for west Oxfordshire, said the district was being plagued by travelling thieves targeting elderly householders.

And he urged families and neighbours to unite against the criminals, by looking out for pensioners.

He also urged elderly householders to protect themselves, with the message: "Don't trust anyone."

As reported in the Oxford Mail, at least 17 distraction burglaries have taken place in the county in the past three weeks - although police believe other incidents may have gone unreported.

They include thefts from homes in Witney, Chipping Norton, Yarnton and Woodstock.

Mr Evernden, who is based in Witney, said people in towns and villages needed to pull together to protect those at risk.

He said: "We have a series of these crimes and the offenders appear to be travelling into the area. It's the most insidious crime there can be. What can be worse than preying on our older people?

"It ruins lives. Some people never recover from it. It destroys their confidence.

"We, as a community, must fight back by looking after our vulnerable people. Make contact, offer friendship and tell them you're looking out for them."

He told pensioners: "Don't be afraid to be rude, and don't trust ID cards. It's your house - and no-one has any right to come in.

"Callers may say they're from the water board, gas board, social services, council, or even Neighbourhood Watch. Don't trust anyone. We need to make west Oxfordshire an unattractive place for criminals."

Last month, two homes in Blakes Avenue, Witney, were targeted on the same day, by the same two men.

At one house they pretended to be from the water board. At the other they claimed to be from the Neighbourhood Watch. The householders, both women in their 80s, found cash had been stolen.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Craig Kirby, of Witney police, on 08458 505505.