POLICE patrols are being stepped up in Lowestoft after three people in their 80s or 90s were targeted in distraction burglaries.

The first incident happened last Friday between 6.30pm and 8pm when a woman in her 90s in Bridge Road opened her door a woman in her 30s or 40s who asked if she could come inside to write a note.

As she did so, a man entered the property and looked in a sideboard drawer. It was later discovered that a porcelain jewellery box, its contents and a quantity of cash had been stolen.

The woman was about 5ft 5intall with brown hair and the man was in his 40s or 50s, of average height and build.

The second incident happened in Oulton Road between 11.20am and 11.30am on Saturday when a woman in her in her 90s let in a man who claimed he needed to check the water in her kitchen.

The man, who was 6ft, of medium build and in his 40s or 50s, distracted her by removing items from under the sink and turning on the taps. He left, saying he would return, but he failed to do so and, it later emerged that a quantity of change had been stolen.

The final burglary happened on Saturday between noon and 12.30pm when a woman in her 80s let a woman into her home in Fir Lane after she told the pensioner her water supply needed to be turned off. The woman, who was 5ft 2in and casually dressed, was followed in by a man in his 30s with short hair.

Two purses containing a small amount of cash – one with beige and blue stripes and the other red – were stolen.

Urging people to remain vigilant, a police spokesman said: 'While burglars rarely spare a thought for their victims, it is a particularly heartless person who deliberately tries to con their way into the home of older members of our community... If you have older relatives please remind them to be cautious when dealing with any unknown callers and not to let anyone in.'

l Anyone with information should call 01986 835300.