An elderly Norwich woman has became the latest victim of distraction burglars who stole cash while posing as water company officials.Norfolk police are appealing for people to be vigilant following the theft in Maid Marian Road, Tuckswood.

An elderly Norwich woman has became the latest victim of distraction burglars who stole cash while posing as water company officials.

Norfolk police are appealing for people to be vigilant following the theft in Maid Marian Road, Tuckswood.

A man posing as coming from a water company called at the home of a woman in her 70s, asking to turn off the stop tap and to read the water meter.

While she was talking to him, it is believed two other men entered the house and stole some money.

The incident comes just days after distraction thieves stole a total of £6,500 from two elderly women in separate incidents.

One, an 82-year-old widow living in Middleton, near King's Lynn, had saved the money up for her husband's funeral.

And last Monday a 74-year-old woman was left shaken after having more than £3,000 taken by men posing as council workers at her home in Appleyard Crescent, Nor-wich.

Police officers are now reminding people of steps they should take to avoid distraction burglary:

Think before opening the door and use a chain or spy hole;

Ask callers for proof of identity and beware of callers who attempt to distract;

Phone the relevant authority, using the number in the telephone directory, to ensure the caller is official;

If unconvinced of the identity of the caller do not let them in, ask them to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present;

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information about it, should call police on 0845 456 4567.