POLICE this afternoon issued an e-fit of a man they want to speak to after a distraction burglary in Walterbush Road, Chipping Norton.

A man distracted an elderly woman by engaging in conversation with her in her garden at 3.45pm on Monday last week.

It is believed that two other people entered the house and stole money from her purse which was in a handbag in the living room.

The man she spoke to was white, aged about 25, 5ft 10in tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a black coat and black jeans.

Sgt Craig Kirby said: "I'd strongly advise residents to be on their guard. We want people to be aware of the tactics that groups like these have employed to gain access, distract the occupants and commit crime so that they are less likely to become another victim."

Police issued the following advice: Never let anyone into your home if they call unexpectedly, even if they show you identification.

Often they will claim to be from utility companies; don't forget that the Water Board no longer exists.

Check with the company they claim to be from and make them wait, if they are genuine they will understand.

Invest in a door chain and make sure you use it every time you open the door, this stops anyone forcing their way in.

If you think you have been approached by bogus callers contact police immediately with good descriptions of the people and vehicles involved.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sgt Kirby via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak with police and do not want to leave your name you can pass information to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.