POLICE are warning the elderly to be on their guard and keep their homes locked after two distraction burglaries. Two homes were targeted in Rowan Crescent, Biggles-wade, on Wednesday afternoon last week and police believe the same man was responsible for

POLICE are warning the elderly to be on their guard and keep their homes locked after two distraction burglaries.

Two homes were targeted in Rowan Crescent, Biggles-wade, on Wednesday afternoon last week and police believe the same man was responsible for both incidents.

Police say they now want to question a man who was found inside one of the homes and at the second actually trying to force his way into the property.

During the first incident a woman aged 91 was disturbed by the man who had forced his way into the house through a locked kitchen door.

Once the intruder had been spotted he fled from the house but not before he had stolen a quantity of cash.

At the second incident, a woman in her 80s was returning from shopping when she was confronted by a man trying to force his way into her home through the front door.

The man quickly left the area and police are now appealing to anyone who may have seen the man, who was black, to contact them immediately.

"Both women, especially the 91-year-old, were obviously shocked by their experience," said Insp John Maries, of Biggleswade police.

"This very elderly lady was sitting in her chair in her living room when this man suddenly appeared which was a great shock for her.

"The intruder had forced his way into the property through a locked rear kitchen door and may have thought the house was empty before he was confronted by the lady.

"A small amount of cash was stolen. In the second incident the man was actually disturbed trying to break into the property by the owner after she had returned home from shopping.

"The man quickly left the area but we believe the same man was involved in both crimes."

Insp Maries is now urging all elderly residents to watch out for one another and for their families to make sure their homes have adequate locks, as well as phones being easily available to call police or family for help.

"If anyone has a problem, or people are seen acting in a suspicious manner near homes, then they should call 999 immediately so we can deal with it," added Insp Maries.