FOUR distraction burglars are being hunted by Oxfordshire police and officers are asking the public for help to identify them.

The electronic mugshots have been posted on the Crimestoppers charity’s Most Wanted website after incidents in Oxford, Abingdon, Chinnor and Sonning Common.

The first e-fit is of a man wanted for a distraction burglary in Oxford on Wednesday, January 12, when, with another man, he posed as a council worker and asked to check the 83-year-old victim’s windows at her home in Townsend Square, off Donnington Bridge Road. They left with cash from her handbag.

The main suspect was in his 30s, 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, with dark brown hair. Detectives say that he spoke with a soft Irish accent.

The second e-fit is of a man who claimed to be an Oxfordshire social services officer and called on an elderly woman in Sonning Common earlier this month. He got away with cash and other items from her purse.

He is described as white, of chubby build, between 35 and 40 years old. He was wearing a flat cap and dark coat.

The third suspect is wanted for a distraction burglary in Abingdon in May last year. He claimed he was a builder who had done some work on the property. Nothing was stolen.

He is white, between 25 and 30 years old and had light brown, curly hair. He was dressed in a blue boiler suit.

The final suspect is wanted for a distraction burglary in Chinnor in May last year.

Two men approached an elderly woman, with one claiming he had come to read the electricity meter. Nothing was stolen.

He is described as white, aged about 40, and was smartly dressed with a light-coloured mackintosh.

Thames Valley Police’s Most Wanted manager Wendy Walker said: “Distraction burglary targets the elderly and vulnerable members of our society.”

Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.