CON artists claiming to be from a water company tricked their way into the homes of two elderly women and stole money.

A man claiming to be a water official kept an 80-year-old woman in Manston Raod, Sturminster Newton, occupied while accomplices stole money.

Later the same day, a man of similar description carried out a similar con on a 93-year-old woman in Littlefields, Sherborne, while the unseen accomplices took cash.

The crimes happened at around 3pm and 4.20pm on Tuesday, March 25.

Detective Constable Margaret Lavender, of Weymouth CID, said: "From the description of the man, I'm sure it was the same man at both addresses - and I've also been told that the man was seen running off with two teenage boys."

She was investigating whether the crimes were linked with similar incidents in Henstridge, Somerset.

"Thieves who take advantage of our most vulnerable residents deserve no sympathy and I'd like to hear from anyone who witnessed either of these burglaries, as well as from anyone else who may have seen an unusual vehicle in the area of the crimes," she said.

The man police are looking for is white, about 5ft 2ins tall and in his early 30s. He has short fair hair and is of slim build with a thin face. He was clean shaven and of neat appearance, wearing a long sleeved T-shirt with blue and pink horizontal stripes and light grey or blue jeans.

DC Lavender said people with elderly relatives or neighbours should urge them to use a door chain and never keep large amounts of money at home. Callers should be asked for identification.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 22 22 22 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.