Police in Essex warn residents of 'distraction' burglaries after two people targeted in Witham

Police in Essex are advising Witham residents to be vigilant following reports of two "distraction" burglaries in the area.

A woman in her 90s was the most recent target. She was followed home on Maldon Road at about 4pm on 30 of July. The suspect is described as a woman in her 20s, tall, slim, with dark hair and wearing a face mask. The victim also said she spoke with a foreign accent.

She began to search through the elderly woman's cupboards and draws before leaving. Nothing was reported stolen but police say the victim was left shaken.A few days later at around 11.30am on 3rd August, a man offered to carry out maintenance work on a property on Barwell Way for an agreed price. While carrying out the work, he said he'd found a wasps nest and that he would remove it for an additional charge. As the victim looked for the nest, the man went inside and stole cash from the house.

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents, and say they want to know if they were linked.

To make sure the tradespeople you hire are safe you can also visit the "buy with confidence" website- a scheme set up by Trading Standards where you can find traders who have been vetted and approved.