POLICE believe a man is targeting vulnerable people and posing as officials to gain access to their homes. A man claiming to be from social services stole a bag from a property in Britwell before making off at about 3pm on Tuesday.

Police believe the same man, posing as a care worker or window cleaner, gained entry to another property in the vicinity and knocked at the doors of others, although nothing was stolen.

Det Con Nicola Douglas said: "We believe that the man targeted the type of addresses normally occupied by elderly or vulnerable people. I cannot stress enough the importance of using door chains, checking ID, and calling the police if you are in any doubt whatsoever about someone calling at your home. Don't answer the door unless you are one hundred per cent certain the caller is genuine." The man is described as white, between 30 and 50 years old, about 5ft 7ins and of medium to chubby build. He had a full black and grey beard and a moustache. It is possible that two of his front teeth are missing or chipped. He is thought to have been driving a red car with a black fabric roof, possibly a convertible.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Douglas on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.