DETECTIVES are probing a number of distraction burglaries where thieves have posed as workmen to access victims' homes.

The conmen, who are targeting vulnerable residents, have pretended to be gardeners, sewage maintenance workers or asked to use the toilet or get a drink.

In the latest incident an elderly Corfe Castle woman had £100 stolen from her purse, after a man in his 40s with an Irish accent, claimed he was there to collect grass cutting money.

After the woman paid him £10, he asked to use the toilet, but went into the victim's bedroom and stole the money.

The burglary took place at 11.15am on Tuesday, Mead Road, Corfe Castle.

Detectives say the offender left in a white transit van with another man, also in his 40s with an Irish accent, and a woman with dark shoulder-length hair.

Detective Inspector Andrew Dilworth, of Dorset Police's Priority Crime Team, said: "I am appealing to anyone who saw two men and a woman in a transit van in the area of Mead Road on Tuesday to please call me."

Dorset Police are investigating a number of similar offences across the county, with incidents in Verwood, Sturminster Marshall, Swanage and Blandford, between June 15 and June 23.