A WALK-in burglar is targeting homes of the elderly in the north and south areas of Great Yarmouth, police said today. The warning follows seven incidents reported in the area over the last four weeks.

A WALK-in burglar is targeting homes of the elderly in the north and south areas of Great Yarmouth, police said today.

The warning follows seven incidents reported in the area over the last four weeks.

A common feature of the offences is one man walking into homes of the elderly during the day and taking a handbag or purse from inside.

No search is made of the property and the offender can be in and out of the property very quickly and often undetected by the victim who may believe they have misplaced their purse or handbag.

Police only became aware of one incident after a neighbour reported seeing a suspicious man outside the victims' home.

Det Insp Rickie Botwright, from Yarmouth CID, said: “I would like to stress that no one has been injured or received any threats from the offending male. One problem we encounter is the delay in reporting the burglary as victims in some respects think they have misplaced their property.”

The offender is described as white, between 20 and 25-years-old with short fair to brown hair, around 6ft tall and of slim build.

Det Insp Botwright added: “One description records a distinctive gap between his top teeth. I would appeal to any one with elderly neighbours to be vigilant and if there are any concerns about people apparently hanging around outside a neighbour's house to call the police.”

Anyone wanting crime prevention advice can call their local crime prevention officer on 0845 456 4567.