Walsall residents warned after distraction burglars steal £600

Officers are investigating the reports, which all took place between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Monday.

A man in his 80s from Ford Brook Lane, Pelsall, arrived home from the shops to find a man on his driveway saying he owed him £300 for work carried out to some tree roots. The elderly man went inside to get the cash and then went out to inspect the roots, leaving the man alone in the house.

After the 'workman' had left, the pensioner realised £3,000 had been stolen from a tin in his bedroom.

Meanwhile, a woman in her 50s, living on Little London, Caldmore, was at home when two men - claiming to be from the council - arrived saying they had received complaints about her garden. They asked to come inside to plug in some electrical equipment, before stealing £340 from her wardrobe.

"We're connecting these two distraction burglaries to another report from a resident on Bakewell Close, Little Bloxwich," said Detective Constable Jenny Aston from Bloxwich Police Station.

"Thankfully, nothing was stolen from that address, but it did involve two men arriving at the property and demanding cash for carrying out work to tree roots.

"We are linking all three incidents and believe they were carried out by the same offenders, who are described as two white men in their 40s in a small box van. One is described as being at least 6ft tall and wearing a baseball cap.

"We'd urge people to keep an eye out for these men and not to let any unannounced callers into their homes ? especially if they can't show you any identification.

"People should also avoid keeping large quantities of cash in their homes."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.