Conmen posing as water board officials tricked their way into a woman pensioner's home and stole her husband's war medals and her wedding ring.

Two bogus officials struck at Cranham Street, Jericho, on Tuesday and tricked their way into the 82-year-old woman's home.

It was one of several similar incidents in Oxford during the past few days and police are warning pensioners to thoroughly check callers' identification cards before letting people into their homes.

Oxford police spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "This was a cruel crime. These thieves have stolen mementos which are of great sentimental value to this woman but will not fetch a great deal when they are sold. We want all pensioners to be on their guard."

City council housing officials say a young woman posing as a council official has been carrying out similar distraction burglaries on the Rose Hill estate. She stole cash from one man's home yesterday (WED) after tricking her way into his house by asking him if he was happy living in the property.

The female bogus official is 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall and slim with dark hair and was wearing a dress.

Laurinda Hornblow, senior manager at Rose Hill housing office, said: "We are very anxious that others are not fooled by this young woman, who is not carrying any form of identification." Anyone with information should telephone police on 01865 266333.

Police are also hunting two bogus callers who talked their way into the home of an elderly man in Faringdon before stealing £35 from his wallet on Tuesday.

One of the men is in his late 20s and has a round face. He was wearing a cream jumper and blue trousers. Anyone with information should telephone 01235 776521.

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