By Rebecca Sheppard and Jonathan BarnesPOLICE have appealed for information after bogus callers struck three times within the space of two hours.The first incident happened shortly before 5pm yesterday when a man claiming to work for the gas board called at an elderly woman's home in Sudbury.

By Rebecca Sheppard and Jonathan Barnes

POLICE have appealed for information after bogus callers struck three times within the space of two hours.

The first incident happened shortly before 5pm yesterday when a man claiming to work for the gas board called at an elderly woman's home in Sudbury.

But when the man left the house in Jubilee Road, it was discovered he had stolen cash and bank cards. A Suffolk police spokeswoman said the pensioner had been “very distressed” by the theft.

The bogus caller was described as white, aged about 30, between 5ft 11in and 6ft tall, with short hair and wearing a blue boiler suit or similar clothing.

In the second incident yesterday, two men tricked their way into the home of an elderly man in Bishops Road, Bury St Edmunds, at about 6.15pm, claiming they were from the water board, and stole cash.

The first man was described as aged between 25 and 30, about 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with dark hair and wearing navy-type overalls. His accomplice was of similar appearance, but was younger.

In the third incident, a man stole a handbag from an elderly woman after calling at her home in Glanville Place, Kesgrave, at about 6.40pm yesterday, saying he was from a company that sponsored cricket.

The woman realised after the man had left that her bag, which contained cash and cards, had been stolen. He was described as aged about 40, with a moustache and smartly dressed.

Suffolk police urged people not to allow anyone into their homes without first seeing proper identification.

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.