Police

BURGLARS, who have been targeting pensioners, were on the prowl in Potters Bar sparking a warning from police to look out for your neighbours.

The lowlife crooks struck twice in the town on Monday last week, attempting to steal from one woman in her late 80s and a man in his 90s.

And officers believe the gang, who claim to be from the water board to gain entry into pensioners’ homes, are involved in other attempted burglaries in Borehamwood and Watford.

The burglars first struck in Potters Bar between 10.20am and 10.40am, in the Barnet Road area, where they told an elderly woman there was “a problem with her water supply”.

A police spokeswoman told the Potters Bar Edition: “While she was distracted in the kitchen another offender crept in.”

Luckily the pair were disturbed by a vigilant neighbour and were forced to flee empty-handed.

Undeterred, the burglars soon found another victim, a man in his 90s.

They spun a yarn about working for the water board and conned their way into his home.

After pretending to do work on behalf of their bogus employer, they demanded cash.

The homeowner said he didn’t have any money and again the pair were forced to make off without anything.

Police appealed for anyone else who has been targeted to come forward.

And, on the ground, officers under the handle @PottersPolice tweeted a warning to residents, which read: “Please keep an eye on your elderly neighbours and if you notice anything or anyone suspicious please phone us.”

As well as the appeal for vigilance Hertfordshire Constabulary issued some crime prevention advice.

The tips to avoid being burgled included not letting in unexpected tradesmen, especially while alone, check IDs of all callers and not to keep large amounts of cash at home.

n Anyone with information should call police on the non-emergency number 101.