Bogus callers, who have targeted vulnerable old people in deception burglaries across Bradford have been branded “sick and cowardly” by detectives.

Police are linking five incidents which took place in three days and are warning elderly residents to be wary.

One distracts the home owner while the other sneaks in to search the property.

The first incident took place at about 1pm last Thursday, in Beamsley Road, Frizinghall. Cash was stolen from a 93-year-old woman after one of the men entered her house, claiming to need to check her water pipes. The rest of the incidents happened last Saturday.

The first was at 10.15am in Wensley Bank, Thornton, when a man knocked on the door of a 69-year-old woman and said he needed to check her pipes.

She became suspicious and spotted a second man outside, before ushering them both away.

Nothing was taken in this raid.

The third was at about 11.20am in Parkstone Drive, Thorpe Edge. A 79-year-old woman had jewellery and cash stolen after a man knocked on her door and said he needed to get into her property as there had been an explosion. While she was distracted a second person entered and took her property.

The next took place at about 1.15pm in Roundwood Glen, Ravenscliffe, after an 83-year-old woman was approached by a suspect who asked to check her boiler. Nothing was taken.

The final one was at about 2.45pm at another house in Roundwood Glen. An 89-year-old man was approached in his home by a man claiming to be from the water board. Again, nothing was taken. The man who approached the residents in each case was white, in his 20s to 30s, well-built, with mousy brown hair, and possibly teeth missing. He was wearing a light or grey hooded top and blue jeans. The second man is white, 6ft tall, of medium to stocky build and around 30 years old.

Police advise anyone who is approached by a cold caller to ask to see an ID card and a contact number.

Detective Inspector John Mountain, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said they were sickening raids. Anyone with information should call Airedale and North Bradford CID on 0845 6060606.

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk