FIVE "heartless" distraction burglaries in Worcester, Malvern and Evesham have prompted police to send out an urgent security message to households.

Thousands of pounds was stolen in total during the incidents, which included three in Worcester, on Friday and during the weekend.

Police have now issued a three-step guideline, urging resident not to:

n Let strangers in unless you are certain they are legitimate.

n Keep unnecessarily large sums of money anywhere in the house.

n Let anyone know that you are carrying more money than usual.

"The elderly and vulnerable in Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon are the most likely targets for these heartless thieves," said Supt Rod Reynolds.

"Close friends and relatives must play a crucial role in helping the police in reinforcing these messages."

In the first burglary, cash was taken from an address in Astwood Road, Worcester, after three white men pretended to be working with Severn Trent workmen nearby.

In a similar incident at 12.30pm, in Rainbow Hill, three white men again struck. It is not yet known if they took anything.

Two of them are described as being tall and in their 20s, while the third was shorter with "auburn" hair.

In Friday's third incident, a man is believed to have been followed by two others to his home, in Queen Elizabeth Road, Malvern.

They searched the premises at 3.30pm and escaped with his wallet containing an unknown amount of cash.

Both were white, in their 20s and wearing blue or black anoraks. One of them had a distinctive birthmark on his neck.

The fourth burglary was in Seward Close, Evesham, when two white men escaped with approximately £300 after walking into a house at around 2.20pm on Sunday.

Both were in their 20s, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft tall, of slim build and with dark, short hair. One was wearing a blue fleece top and the other, a blue anorak.

The final incident took place at 4.15pm on the same day, in the Northwick area of Worcester, when £400 was taken. No description of the two men involved is yet available.

If anyone has any information about any of the incidents they should call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.