Thieves posing as water board officials have targeted an 89-year-old widow in her Walsall home – as police revealed today they are investigating 14 distraction burglaries so far this year.

Officers are warning the elderly and the vulnerable not to open their doors to strangers.

They are investigating links between the crimes, the latest of which took place in Pelsall on Monday.

The 89-year-old victim answered the door to the two men, who claimed to be from the water board and told her the water supply was off and needed to be checked in her property.

Once inside, one man distracted her while another emptied the contents of two of her handbags. They fled after being disturbed by a neighbour.

So far this year, there have been five distraction burglaries in Pelsall and Shelfield, two in New Invention and one in Streetly, Bloxwich, Leamore, Bentley, Moxley, Rough Hay and Pleck.

Walsall Ch Insp Sally Holmes said: “Walsall officers and those from Force CID are working together on these crimes and we are investigating links.

“These offenders are preying on the vulnerable members of the community and we are now warning people not to open their door to strangers. We are also asking their neighbours to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.”

Det Insp Phil Asquith, from Force CID in Bloxwich, added that the bogus callers claimed to be from the water board, which does not exist.

The burglars are described as two white men aged 25 to 30. One of them was wearing a navy anorak.

Last week, thieves of similar description targeted two women aged 91 and 85 in Bloxwich and Darlaston.

Witnesses should call CID on 0345 113 5000.