• Police believe all distraction incidents involved the same man

• A full description has been issued of the suspects

• Two incidents happened within 15 minutes of each other

• A 77-year-old man was punched in the face by the intruder

Police have issued a warning after three elderly people in Swadlincote were targeted in distraction burglaries - with a 77-year-old man punched in the face.

On Monday, February 3, at around 10.30pm, a 91-year-old resident living in Burton Road, Swadlincote opened the door to a man who then forced his way in to the address and stole items, including sentimental jewellery.

Then, about 15 minutes later on the same evening, a 77-year-old man answered the door of his home on Rest Haven to a man demanding money for work that had not been carried out.

When the victim refused to give the man any money he was punched in the face.

On Wednesday afternoon, at around 2.30pm, an 88-year-old woman answered the intercom of her home on Belvoir Crescent and allowed a man access to her flat who said he was there to fix the alarm cords.

He walked in to her living room but the victim became uneasy and rang her son who lives nearby and the man left without taking anything.

Detective Inspector Dan Phillips is leading the investigation to find the offender.

He said: "We are conducting enquiries to urgently find this man as he is clearly targeting vulnerable members of the community and would urge anyone with any information to make contact with us.

"We strongly believe that all the incidents are connected and the offender in all three cases is the same man."

The offender is described as a white man, approximately 50-years of age, 6 ft tall and stocky build.

Sergeant Tarj Nizzer, is in charge of Safer Neighbourhood policing for the area, and explained: "We have increased patrols in the area to provide re-assurance and, in an attempt to stop further offences, are delivering leaflets with advice as to how people can try to prevent such offences happening."

Officers are giving the following advice to residents:

• If you are not sure who is at the door, don't open it.

• Check the identity of any caller. Confirm who they are by calling the company they work for using number from a bill, directory or from online. Do not call any numbers they give you.

• Ask a neighbour to come around to check them before you open the door.

• Tell them to come back at a time when someone will be at home with you.

Before opening one door, make sure all other door and windows are locked and closed.

• Use the door chain every time you answer the door.

Police say that if the caller is selling something or says that you need work carrying out, tell them you are not interested and ask them to leave.

They add that genuine, reputable firms won't need to drum up business by cold calling.

Police want to know if you have any information that could help identify the offender for these crimes and to make contact using any of the following non-emergency contact methods and quoting reference number 2*66539:

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

For more details of Derbyshire Constabulary's appeal for help, click the red button below