Detectives are appealing for information following a number of distraction burglaries at the homes of elderly residents across the Neath Port Talbot area.

Two occurred in Grove Lane, Penrhiwtyn, Neath, and the third was at Victoria Road in Port Talbot.

The first burglary at Grove Lane occurred at about 2.30pm on Saturday 9th February at the home of the 89-year-old female victim, when the suspect purported to be a carer.

The culprit went upstairs before leaving the premises; no property is believed to have been stolen.

The elderly victim has described the suspect as being a white female, aged between 24 and 25 years of age, of slim build with brown hair tied back in a pony tail and wearing a dark coloured military style coat.

The second incident in Grove Lane happened at about 3.45pm the same day when the suspect called at the home of the 92-year-old female victim again claiming to be a carer.

It was later discovered that a quantity of cash was missing from the victim’s purse.

The suspect has been described as: white, female, early twenties, approximately 5’ 2 tall, with short brown / mousey coloured hair.

The third incident at Victoria Road in Port Talbot happened sometime between 2pm and 2.45pm on Sunday 10th February; a 92-year-old female was the victim. Once again, the culprit purported to be a care worker.

The suspect was allowed into the premises by the victim, where she is believed to have entered a number of rooms before leaving empty handed.

The suspect is described as being a white female, believed to be in her thirties and wearing a light coloured coat.

Officers are linking the three incidents as on each occasion the culprit or culprits have purported to be a carer.

Detective Sergeant Ricky Price of Neath CID said said:

“I am appealing to the residents of Neath Port Talbot who may have any information on these incidents to come forward as we need to catch the perpetrators before anything more serious happens.

“Attacks on the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes can only be described as cowardly and despicable, and even more so when they use the disguise of a carer in whom many older people rely upon and trust.

“We are linking the three burglaries, as on each occasion the woman or women have claimed to be carers.

“I am reiterating my appeal and would urge anyone with information on these incidents, or who can assist us to identify the individual or individuals, to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.