BURGLARS who stole hundreds of pounds from an elderly couple have left them “trusting no-one”.

Two men claiming to be from ‘the water board’ took almost £600 from Terence and Lily Exler’s home in Launton, near Bicester, on Tuesday.

Last night, former lorry driver Mr Exler, 87, said the couple had been left “shaken to the core”.

It was the ninth distraction burglary in Oxfordshire in the past month, police said.

Mr Exler said: “I can’t describe how we feel right now. It’s just horrible.

“The two men were so polite and seemed so genuine, and they even shook our hands when they left. I come from a generation that trusted people, although that has changed now.

“What has life come to when elderly and vulnerable people are being targeted in this way?”

Mr Exler was told to check the taps in his bathroom until the water “turned blue”, while one of the men checked the tap in the kitchen. His accomplice waited outside.

A few hours after they had left, Mrs Exler, also 87, noticed that £87 was missing from her purse.

A further £510 was missing from their grandson’s bedroom.

Mr Exler said: “When police asked me if they had gone upstairs, I said there was absolutely no way it was possible.

“But we noticed the money missing from my grandson’s room. I have absolutely no idea how they did it.”

Mr Exler is now urging elderly people to be on their guard.

He said: “I have been telling my friends and people I know who live on their own, to be careful and remain vigilant.

“Lily and I have been left shaken to the core by this. It’s not a nice feeling and I would not wish it on anybody. The message is simple — if you aren’t expecting visitors, do not open the door.”

Det Sgt Louise Tompkins, of Thames Valley Police, urged people to use common sense.

She said: “Always ask for ID, and if you are in any doubt as to who they are, call the company they claim to represent.”

Thames Water has also launched a new helpline that people can use to identify anyone claiming to be from the company. Customers can also opt into a password scheme.

Anybody from Thames Water would know what that word is, which helps identify them as genuine.

Spokesman Amy Dutton said: “Over 60 per cent of bogus caller crimes are carried out by criminals pretending to be from a water company. We have a responsibility to do all we can to help our customers avoid becoming victims.”

The helpline number is 0845 641 0069. To join the password scheme, call 0845 9200 800.