Police are warning elderly and vulnerable people to be on their guard against bogus callers targeting areas across Sussex.

In one instance a burglar posed as a police officer to dupe an elderly woman out of £60.

The distraction crime was one of a spate of recent offences where suspects have conned their way into vulnerable people's houses.

Police are urging householders to treat any doorstep sellers or unexpected callers with caution after a spate of burglaries across the county.

More than 40 cases have been reported in West Sussex so far this year.

Offenders have pretended to be water or gas company officials, tree surgeons and gardeners.

On Wednesday alone police were called to a burglary in Horsham, and attempted burglaries in Arundel and Billingshurst.

Police believe the criminals work in gangs. They may be using door-to-door sales of goods like dusters and cleaning products to scout for houses where elderly people live alone.

They operate by talking their way into a house under false pretenses, then persuading the owner to leave them alone, for instance by asking them to turn on their taps or check something in another room.

They then search for money or valuables.

In Woodingdean, Brighton, an 87-year-old woman had £100 stolen by a distraction burglar on Tuesday night.

The suspect talked his way into the house claiming he was working next-door and needed to check if flooding had spread into her house.

He asked her to go into the kitchen and turn on her taps to check her pipes, and stole money from her bedroom while she was gone.

The man was described as clean shaven, white, overweight, about 60 years old, balding, with grey hair, a grey jacket and trousers.

In Horsham on Tuesday morning an 85-year-old woman was listening to the radio, when a man appeared in her lounge.

He claimed to be a police officer checking why her windows and back door were open. A cash tin was later found outside, with £60 stolen from it. The offender had a noticeable speech impediment.

On Wednesday, April 11, three separate incidents took place at Saxon Crescent and St John Close in Horsham and at Hollands Way, Warnham.

On each occasion elderly women were targeted by men posing as water officials.

There has also been a spate of unregistered door-to-door salesman targeting households across the Wealden area.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tilzey said: "Those using deception methods to gain access to people's homes and steal commit the most callous crimes against the most vulnerable victims.

"Bogus callers are convincing liars and anyone can be taken in by them.

"Never let anyone into your house unless you are sure they are genuine. A genuine visitor will always make an appointment first, so you should be wary if someone turns up unexpectedly.

"Do not feel embarrassed about using a door chain. A genuine visitor will not be offended and will expect you to take precautions.

"Always ask for proof of identity and check it carefully, keeping the chain on the door.

Police stress genuine callers will carry identification with a photograph and details of their business.

Even where callers are wearing a uniform, or have smart clothes with a badge, residents are being told to treat them with caution.

Trading Standards can be contacted on 01243 642125 by householders or concerned friends and relatives.

If in serious doubt about callers or suspicious activity outside, call 999 and ask for the police.

Advice on home security can always be provided by your police district crime prevention officer on 0845 6070999.

Have you or a loved one been targeted by a bogus caller? Leave your comments below.