Con man targets householders

3:10pm Thursday 28th August 2008

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A con man targeted three homes in less than 45 minutes during a string of attempted distraction burglaries.

In each attempt the man tried to trick his way inside by pretending to be from the 'water board' - which does not exist.

He left empty handed.

His first target was at 1.36pm on Tuesday, in Woodlands Road, Harpsden, near Henley, but the homeowner refused to let him inside, At 2pm, the same man walked into a house in Newton Way, Benson, claiming he needed to turn the water off because a neighbour had a leak.

He walked through the house, but did not steal anything.

Then at 2.10pm a man claiming to be from the water board persistently tried to get inside a house in Paul's Way, Watlington, but the homeowner refused.

He is described as white and aged between 30 and 40-years-old, with light coloured hair, medium height and build and was wearing jeans and a blue or black top.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt Dave Horsborough on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.