POLICE are linking two incidents where elderly people were targeted in distraction burglaries within minutes of each other.

One happened in School Close, Great Alne, on Saturday at about 3.15pm.

A man called at the house of an 83-year-old woman and asked if she could change a £20 note.

She let him in and while sorting out the change a second man came in and asked to use the toilet.

While she was showing the second man the toilet, the first stole the woman's pension book and £120 cash.

They then left in a white Vauxhall Cavalier, G-reg, which was later found abandoned at Gorcott Hill.

The first man was white, aged 20-30, 6ft and of slim build with thick dark hair. The second was also white, had lighter hair and was of a stockier build.

This incident is being linked to one which took place on the same day in Archer Close, Studley, just half an hour earlier at 2.45pm.

A man approached the house of a 77-year-old woman and also asked her to change £20 but she refused.

The man then left, got into a white saloon car with another man inside and they drove off.

Police are asking for people to be vigilant and want anybody with information to call them on 01926 415000.