POLICE are linking two incidents in which elderly women had money stolen by men posing as water board officials.

In the first, reported at 11.50am on Wednesday, June 12, one of the men called at a house in Carr Mill Road saying he had been sent to check on a fault with the water. After being admitted by an 82-year old woman, he then distracted her while a second man entered the house. It was later discovered that £180 in cash had been stolen.

The pensioner didn't see the second man, but described the first as white, in his 20s, about 5ft 6/7ins tall with a stocky build. His hair was dark and he wore a checked shirt and dark trousers.

The second incident took place between 9.15 and 9.30pm of the same day in Millom Grove, Thatto Heath.

A man claiming to be checking on a water leak was allowed to go upstairs where he claimed the leak was coming from. After he had left a wallet containing £25 and various personal papers was missing from a sideboard.

The conman was white, about 5ft 9ins tall and in his mid 20s with a medium build. His brown hair was cut short and he wore dark-coloured jeans, a grey pullover and an Umbro sweatshirt.

IF you were in either of these areas at the time or think you recognise the description of the men, you can contact the Crime Management Unit at St Helens on 0151 777 6050 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

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