There have been three recent burglaries in the Ashfield and Mansfield areas where elderly victims have been targeted by teams of males purporting to be plumbers.

In one case two white males in their 30s - one with an Irish accent were involved in the theft of cash from under the victim's bed while he was watching his boiler.

In another case three white males described as having very thick foreign accents asked the victim to turn on his taps - cash was stolen from a purse in the kitchen.

In the third case two white males with Irish accents said they were from "the water board", that the water was contaminated and that they would have to go in to the house. To the offenders' surprise the victim pointed out an outside tap and said they could test the water there.

Be aware that genuine employees or contractors for Severn Trent Water NEVER refer to "the water board".

If you witness a crime being committed please ring the Police on 999. If you have any information about criminal activity you may either call the Police on 0115 967 0999 or ring Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.