BOGUS officials have robbed elderly people in the Wath/Brampton area in a spate on incidents last Wednesday.

Rotherham District Burglary Unit has issued a warning for everyone to be vigilant and not allow anyone they don’t know into their homes.

“We cannot stress enough that householders should never, ever allow unexpected callers into their homes, no matter what excuse they give, until they are completely happy with the caller’s identity and that the reason for the visit is genuine,” said DC Wendy Wootton.

At 12.45pm on October 4 a bogus Water Board official called at the home of an 89-year-old woman. She was asked to fill pans with water and within a few minutes was robbed of £250 and a £100 gold ring.

The thief is described as 5’ 1 white 35-year-old male with a round healthy looking face and was wearing a dark cord jacket.

At about 1pm bogus council officials called at the home of an 84-year-old man and made off with a safe containing cash, jewellery and premium bonds. One person rang the door bell and claimed to be there to check water and gas meters. Another man entered the house while the victim was distracted.

One of them was white, about 41 years, 5’8 and well built with brushed back hair. He was wearing a dark blue boiler suit.