A DUO who carried out a distraction burglary in Potters Bar last month have stepped up their “cowardly” crimewave in the new year.

The pair first struck at the home of a woman in her 60s in the Mutton Lane area, at 8.30pm on Saturday, December 11.

Now police believe the same couple carried out another raid on New Year’s Eve, and a further seven across the county on Wednesday and Thursday last week.

In each case they have targeted the homes of elderly people, the oldest being a woman in her 90s.

Two methods are being used to gain access to the victims’ homes in order to steal.

The first involves a girl or woman who claims she has injured her hand or wrist and needs assistance.

The second reported method involves a girl or woman asking to borrow a pen and paper to write a note to her relative who lives in the street.

While the victim is being distracted, the man enters the property to carry out a search and in the majority of cases has left with cash.

It is thought the pair could be travelling in a white van, black 4x4 or a large dark coloured vehicle.

Officers believe the burglaries could be linked to offences in other counties.

Detective inspector Gerry McDonald said: “These are cowardly individuals targeting the elderly and vulnerable people in our communities.

“We are treating all of these incidents as linked due to the descriptions of the offenders and the methods they are using.

“We have a specialist team of officers investigating these burglaries and we will leave no stone unturned in tracking the offenders down.”

Det insp McDonald urged people to keep an eye out for their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours.

“I would urge people to be extra vigilant and urge people to remind their older friends and relatives not to open the door to anyone they are not expecting, even if they claim they are injured,” he said.

“These incidents do serve as examples where offenders will take advantage of a victim’s kindness to gain entry to their house and subsequently steal from them.”

* Call police with information on 0845 33 00 222.