9:00am Wednesday 2nd July 2008
By Elizabeth Pears
Conmen posing as engineers have committed a string of burglaries against the elderly.
Since May 20 police have investigated eight incidents where bogus callers have tricked their way into the homes of the victims aged between 71 and 91 pretending to be employed by the water board.
The intruders claim that they have been working nearby and must get into the house to check water pressure or for flooding.
Four such scams have taken place in Tottenham, two in Highgate, one in Wood Green and one in Muswell Hill.
The thieves stole hundreds of pounds in cash as well as bank cards and jewellery.
Medication and personal identification such as passports were also taken.
A police spokeswoman said: "These are despicable offences carried out against vulnerable members of our community.
"While our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are alert to the issue of bogus callers, they also rely on residents to provide additional eyes and ears. Please keep a look out for your elderly neighbours."
Police are advising residents to make a note of vehicle details and dial 999 if they spot anything suspicious.
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