POLICE are warning residents in the Petersfield area to be on their guard after three elderly people were targeted by burglars.

On Friday evening an 88- year-old woman who lives alone in Pine Walk at Liss Forest was watching television when a man walked into the room and told her she had been burgled.

He offered to show the woman where the thieves had been and then he left.

The woman discovered that some rings were missing, with her purse, cash and handbag. The total value of the items stolen was £50

The handbag was later found near Greatham.

On Monday an 86-year-old widow who also lives alone in Chappell Close at Liphook was watching television at 7-30 pm when a man appeared and said he had seen people carrying things away from her home.

He also offered to show the woman where the thieves had been and then left her home.

The woman discovered that her spare room and dining room had been ransacked and a wallet containing £200 had been taken. Some jewellery, including her engagement ring, had also been taken.

Dc Phil Harrison-Smith of Alton CID, who is investigating the cases, believes the two burglaries are linked.

In both cases the man was described as white, aged between 25 and 35, 5ft 8in, of medium build, with short dark hair. He had no particular accent, but was Òreasonably well spokenÓ.

Dc Harrison-Smith said he was keen to trace a man seen in Pine Walk at the time of the first burglary to eliminate him from his inquiries.

The man was driving a green car which came to a halt in Pine Walk and appeared to have broken down. The man seemed to be trying to start the car.

Last Thursday a third elderly woman was targeted. It was the second time the 86-year-old had been the victim of burglars in the past year. She lives in Liphook at a house close to the London Road junction with Hewshott Lane

She was in her sitting room around midday when a man she believes was around 50 years old walked in and sat down.

He told the woman he had seen her the previous week and had returned. Then he left her home.

Later the frail woman discovered that two antique tables were missing from her bedroom.

ÒThese burglaries from elderly woman are particularly nasty and we are appealing for anyone who can help us with our inquiries to come forward,Ó said Dc Harrison-Smith.

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact Alton CID on 01962-871581.