POLICE are investigating two distraction burglaries targeting elderly and vulnerable people in Redditch.

On Monday, July 27, between 3pm and 3.30pm, a man approached an address in Fordbridge Close, Redditch.

He enquired about doing gardening work for the 69-year-old resident. While in the house, he stole a container with money inside.

The suspect is a slim, white man in his 20s, with short dark hair. He was wearing a florescent waistcoat and dark trousers.

The second incident took place on Wednesday, July 29, between 12.30pm and 1pm.

A man approached an 87-year-old woman at an address in Upper Field Close, asking her about repairing her fence.

The resident challenged the suspect but he entered the house. He ran off with her handbag which contained a large quantity of money. The handbag was later found.

The suspect is white, thin, around 40 to 50-years-old with a thin face and small dark moustache.

He was wearing a grey jumper, jeans and a multi coloured woolly hat.

Police would like to speak with anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in these locations, or with information about the burglaries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting either incident 053S of July 27, or incident 0364S of July 29.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.