Hackney residents, particularly the elderly, are being warned to be extra vigilant after a spate of burglaries in the last few weeks.

Victims have claimed that bogus callers have turned up on their door-step claiming to be tradesmen or workmen.

On 11 November, an elderly resident was at home around 2pm waiting for a plumber to arrive from Hackney Homes to fix his radiator.

A suspect posing as a gas employee called on the same day.

The suspect knocked at the door and said “gas”. The victim, who did not speak English as his first language, assumed he was a legitimate and experienced plumber.

Once inside the address, the suspect told the victim to clear out some items from under the sink to allow access. While the victim was doing this, the suspect went upstairs and stole thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery.

The suspect is described as a 6ft tall white male, with a slim build with dark hair.

Sgt Richard Berns, from Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “This type of crime is particularly unpleasant. These offenders only target the most vulnerable in society and feel no regret even if stealing a victim’s entire life savings. I urge anyone with vulnerable neighbours or relatives to check in on them and make sure they are aware of this type of crime. Always demand ID and if possible keep valuables in a safe, and large amounts of cash in a bank account.”

Anyone with information can contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.