The offender gained access to the homes of three pensioners by telling them there was a problem with the water, and kept them occupied while an accomplice searched the properties.

One of the victims, a 75-year-old woman who lives on Bolsover Hill, Bolsover, has helped police produce the CD fit image of the offender.

A police spokesman said: "We are hopeful that people may have seen this man or the men involved in these incidents.

"If he came to your door and you turned him away, you may not have thought anything of it at the time but hopefully this image will jog people's memories."

The man, described as white, in his late teens, 5ft 5, of stocky build, with very short hair and a baby face, was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers when he called at the Bolsover pensioner's home at around 2pm on April 24.

While she was distracted, cash was stolen from her husband's jacket pocket.

Police believe it the same pair who called at the homes of an 82-year-old woman in the vicinity of Staveley Road, Poolsbrook, and another elderly female on Selwyn Street, Bolsover, on the 24th.

In both cases they gained access to the properties by saying there was a problem with the water, searched the properties but left empty-handed.

Police are appealing for anyone who can help identify the suspect or has information about any of the incidents to contact them on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


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