POLICE are looking for witnesses following a number of distraction burglaries.

A total of three burglaries have happened since the end of last month.

The first two incidents both took place on Wednesday, November 30.

Two men claiming to be from a housing association tried to get inside a house in Malborough Road, Braintree, at around 1.30pm.

Someone inside the house asked them for ID and they flashed a card at her.

She questioned them further but they left without gaining entry saying a letter would be sent to her.

Then, at around 5.30pm, two men knocked on the door of an address in Rifle Hill and told the occupant, a man in his 80s, they were there to fix the plumbing.

He asked them for ID and let them in.

One of the men spoke to him and then both left.

He later found hundreds of pounds of cash had been stolen.

The third incident happened on Wednesday, December 7.

Two men knocked on the door of an address in Vanguard Way at around 1pm, claiming to be there to fix the water.

A man in his 60s let the men in.

As he was talking to one of the men, he heard his bedroom door close and saw another man coming out of it.

The men left and the victim found hundreds of pounds had been taken.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Stuart Smith at Braintree Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Essex Police is also urging the public to be wary of bogus callers and always ask for ID.

Greenfields Housing Association said: "All Greenfields’ employees and contractors will make an appointment and show you photo identification before they enter your house.

"If a person says they work for Greenfields but you are not certain, take the person’s name, close your door and call us on 01376 535400.

"We will check that the caller is genuine for you.”

Anglian Water said: "The next time someone knocks on your door and says they are from Anglian Water, we’d like you to take just a little of your time to double-check their identity before you let them in.

"Bogus callers may claim to be from Anglian Water or even from ‘the water board’ and they might look quite convincing too, but you can find out for sure with one quick free phone call.

"Please take their card and close the door while you call us, any time of day or night, on 0800 145 145.”