Bogus callers stole about £1,800 from an 83-year-old man in one of Oxford's largest distraction burglaries.

A burglar claimed water was leaking from the pensioner's flat into the one below in Amory Close, Cowley in Oxford yesterday.

But once inside between £1,600 and £1,800 in cash was stolen.

Pc Elaine Durham, of Oxford Burglary Team, said: "This is one of the largest amounts stolen in Oxford."

When the man got inside the flat he asked to turn off the stop-cock to stop the leaking but when the elderly resident became suspicious he asked him to leave.

Seconds later a second man was seen running from the lounge.

The first man is described as white, in his mid-20s, medium build, with short, fair hair wearing a light-coloured shirt with a grey, chequered pattern.

The second man was also white, possibly with fair hair.

Pc Durham added: "These thieves are totally unscrupulous and they will keep targeting the elderly if they know rich pickings are to be had.

"We want the friends, families and carers of the elderly to seriously think of ways to persuade them not to keep large amounts of cash in their homes.

"Help them use methods such as direct debit to pay the bills so they only need small amounts of money.

"We want to repeat the advice for residents to confront unexpected and unknown callers to their homes and demand to see ID.

"We advise people not to let anyone into their homes unless they are completely confident about who they are. Legitimate callers will understand and expect to be questioned about their identity."

Anyone with information or who recognises the burglars should contact police on 08458 505505 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.