UPDATED: Burglars impersonate police to raid two Winchester homes (From Hampshire Chronicle)

UPDATED: Burglars impersonate police to raid two Winchester homes

9:26am Tuesday 1st June 2010 in Crime

A GANG of robbers pretending to be police officers has been targeting elderly residents in Hampshire.

The distraction burglars struck five times across the county in as many hours, conning residents into handing over money and belongings.

The gang struck at homes in Winchester, Hedge End, Totton and Portsmouth during the raids last Friday.

The victims included two women in their 90s.

The crime spree started in Romsey Road, Winchester, where an elderly woman had cash and other belongings stolen at about 1pm last Friday.

The burglars then went to the home of a 60-year-old man in Trussell Crescent, Weeke, at 2.30pm, taking money and credit cards.

The gang then moved into Hedge End, targeting a 92-year-old woman from whom they stole £5.

The same group are thought to have then travelled to Cosham, where they visited the home of a 94-year-old woman and managed to con her out of £20.

Police say the thieves struck again at about 6pm when they unsuccessfully tried to burgle an 80-year-old woman in Totton.

Police are warning residents to be vigilant and always ensure they check who is calling at their door and ask for ID.

They are urging residents to ask for an officer’s warrant card as proof of who they are and contact their nearest police station if they are suspicious.

Anyone with any information about these incidents should contact Hampshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.