Police are warning householders, particularly the elderly, to be alert to bogus officials operating in Broadland and Yarmouth following four distraction burglaries which officers believe may be linked.

Police are warning householders, particularly the elderly, to be alert to bogus officials operating in Broadland and Yarmouth following four distraction burglaries which officers believe may be linked.

In all four incidents, the offender posed as an official saying that he needed to test switches and plugs within the property.

Once inside, he distracted the victim by asking them to go into another room to turn switches off or asked them to remain in a certain room while he tested electricity points.

While the victim was distracted, the offender, described as white, male, 40 to 50 years-old, about 5ft 8in and of large build with receding hair, stole money.

The incidents occurred in Suffolk Road, Gorleston, on Saturday, August 15 between 1.30pm and 2pm, Cedar Close, Martham, on Saturday, August 15, between 10.30am and 12.15pm, Malakoff Close, Yarmouth, on Friday, August 28, between 4pm and 5.15pm, and Aldis Road, Acle, on Friday, August 28, between 12.48pm and 3pm.

Det Con Steve Matthews, from Norfolk Constabulary's Op Radar team, said: “We are investigating these incidents and believe they are possibly linked to a further distraction burglary which occurred in Yarmouth in May.

“I would like to take this opportunity to urge householders, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant.

“Any householder needing advice about home security or crime prevention should contact their nearest police station and make inquiries.

“It is believed the offender does show some sort of ID to the victim and I would urge residents to thoroughly check any ID shown to them.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Det Con Matthews on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.