POLICE are warning residents after receiving reports of a man knocking on doors claiming to be from the gas board.

Officers have received phone calls from the St John's area about a man knocking on residents doors saying that he is from the gas board.

The man tells people that there will be gas works in the area and will need access to properties to check the boiler.

This has resulted in one distraction burglary already which saw an 87-year-old woman tricked out of her life savings.

Eileen Bartlett, from St John's, lost £6,000, jewellery, including earrings she planned to wear at her grandson's wedding, and sentimental items when a man distracted her while his accomplice raided her home.

The burglary happened after a "well-dressed" man with ID, claiming to be from the local council, asked to see the woman's gas tap for inspection.

Worcester St Johns Neighbourhood Watch shared on Facebook yesterday: "We have had reports of a man going round St Johns knocking on peoples doors saying he’s from the gas board.

"We have also had a few calls, in the St Johns area, about a male knocking peoples doors stating that he is from the gas board. He tells people that there will be gas works in the area and will need access to properties to check the boiler etc. Obviously this is not true and has resulted in one distraction burglary already.

"Please could you remind people not to let unauthorised persons into their house, ask for ID and paperwork – then call the company to confirm, and to never leave anyone unattended in their house. If in doubt just say no.

"Locking doors and using chains is recommended.

"If anybody knocks your door and say they are from the gas board shut the door immediately and ring 101."