Romsley residents have been urged to stay on their guard after a pensioner was the target of a distraction burglary last Monday.

Though nothing was stolen in the incident, which occurred at a home on Hillcrest Road, police are asking people to stay vigilant and keep an eye on callers acting suspiciously.

They also want residents to note the registration numbers of vehicles parked for a long time, and check on vulnerable and elderly people.

Police constable Stan Baker, Crime Reduction Officer for Bromsgrove District Police, said offenders often selected homes belonging to older people such as sheltered housing or warden controlled homes.

He said: "In many cases the perpetrators operate in gangs of two or more, with one offender distracting the victim while the others search the property for money and valuables."

The victim of Monday's incident, a woman in her 70s, answered the door to a man and a youth who claimed they needed to check the drains.

The suspects fled when the woman became suspicious, and left in a black saloon car with a spoiler on the boot.

Both offenders were white, with the man described as wearing a grey suit while the youth wore a light grey denim jacket and matching trousers.

Pc Baker added: "Distraction burglaries are despicable offences which prey on the most vulnerable members of society. We hope the public will be able to assist us in finding the perpetrators."

Anyone with information can call Bromsgrove police on 08457 444888.