PEOPLE in Petersfield are being duped by conmen who are lying their way into homes and taking advantage of local businesses.

Police have put out numerous warnings to residents to take extra care before letting people into their homes, but last week an 85-year-old man was fooled by three men posing as officials.

Petersfield shoppers have also been tricked by thieves who have been helping themselves to cash from handbags while customers are distracted.

And a man, posing as a potential customer, made off with a car from a local motor company in Bedford Road.

Dc Phil Harrison-Smith, from Alton police, said the 85-year-old pensioner, living in Grange Road, Petersfield, was visited by a man last week.

The man claimed he was working on neighbouring houses and needed to turn the water off.

But while they were in conversation in the kitchen, two unknown men went into the victim's bedroom and carried out an untidy search. No property was stolen.

Dc Harrison-Smith said: "The elderly man became concerned and went to see his neighbour. By the time he returned the three men had made off towards Cranford Road.

"There is an ongoing problem of people being conned into letting people into their homes. The elderly are targeted because they are more trusting.

"Our advice is to make sure you know exactly who people are before letting them into your home.

"Check their identification thoroughly and even ring their company if you are still unsure."

The conman has been described as white, aged 25 to 30, about 5ft 10in, with a tanned complexion, short dark hair and with a "rural" accent. The other two men were described as shorter than the first man.

Anyone with any information should contact Dc Harrison Smith at Alton police on 0845 0454545.

Last week, police were also contacted by two other people who were duped while shopping in Petersfield.

Both were out on separate occasions when they were distracted by a man who engaged them in conversation.

When the victims came to pay for their shopping they noticed their purses had been stolen.

Police say they are linking the incidents. The man has been described as a dark European, aged between 17 and 28, with short black hair.

Another con artist managed to make off with an M-registered Renault Laguna when he posed as a customer visiting the Motor Company in Bedford Road last week.

He convinced the owner to let him take out the vehicle for a test drive but never returned.

He is described as white, aged between 24 and 29, of stocky build with collar-length dark brown hair and clean shaven.

Anyone with any information that may help police with their investigations can contact Petersfield police on 0845 0454545.