Images Released Of Hertfordshire Conmen

12 February 2013, 13:06 | Updated: 12 February 2013, 13:08

Police have released E-Fit images of two conmen believed to be going around the county targeting elderly people to rob.

They're investigating 13 distraction burglaries have happened in Hitchin, Royston, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Harpenden, Hatfield, Smallford and Cuffley.

The most recent were in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans. 

On Monday 4th February cash was stolen from the house of a woman in her late 80s in St Albans. 

In most incidents one of the men cons their way into the victim’s property by telling them that he is working on a neighbouring property, has burst a pipe and needs to check the victim’s water supply. 

The man then distracts the victim in the property whilst a second offender comes in and commits a burglary.

The offenders are described as two white men, with Irish accents, between the ages of 30 and 50. One man is said to have a very slim build and the second is said to be larger.

Detective Sergeant Mark Clawson from the specialist team, Operation Manhunt, said: 

“The victims’ ages have ranged from 77 to 93, and we know they target older people because they tend to keep larger amounts of cash at home, and will not be so suspicious of unannounced callers.

“These criminals are extremely convincing so if you open the door they will talk their way in. If you have older relatives or neighbours I would urge you to take some time to tell them not to open the door to anyone they aren’t expecting"