FRAUDSTERS targeted two vulnerable Mon-mouth pensioners last week in two separate distraction burglaries in the town.

The elderly residents become the unwitting victims of this disturbing type of burglary, which are not believed to be linked, but significant amounts of cash were taken in both incidents.

The first burglary took place at around 2.30pm on Thursday, November 11, at The Buckholt when a female caller invited himself into the property of an elderly gentleman in his mid 90s.

The female, who called herself Eileen and purported to be a friend, left after a while and only when she went did the resident notice that his wallet containing a substantial sum of money was gone.

The woman is described as about 40 years of age wearing a dark coat and hat and had a local accent.

The second incident occurred when a man, saying he was from Age Concern, stole a wallet from a resident of Limetree Avenue.

This incident occurred at approximately 3pm on Saturday, November 12 when the 78-year-old male resident let the man into his property and having stayed an hour or so, the man left.

Only after the man had left, the pensioner discovered that a wallet containing a substantial sum of money had gone missing.

The male is described as aged between 28-30 years old, six feet tall, of slim build. He had dark hair that was parted on the side and a fair complexion. He was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a brown tie. He spoke with an Irish accent.

DS Ieuan Watkins of Monmouth CID said: "Offences of this kind are thankfully very unusual and I would advise people not to store cash at their home addresses.

"The incident in Wyesham is particularly unusual as people wearing a suit on a Saturday afternoon would be a rare sight.

"People with elderly relatives should try and ensure that money is banked. These people are the most vulnerable in society and deserve protection."

If anyone has information please call Monmouth Police Station on 01600 712321 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Monmouth Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents not to let anyone into their home without identification, always check identification before letting them into their house and check back with the organisation they say they are from before letting them in. If possible use a nominated neighbour card.

In 2001, the Monmouth Free Press produced an advisory leaflet for elderly and vulnerable residents of the town in how to beat bogus callers, inset. If you would like a copy of this leaflet, just pop into our new office at 1 Church Street, Monmouth.