Police are hunting a “chubby” suspect after a distraction burglary in north Watford yesterday.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said a number of people in the north Watford and Nascot areas were door knocked by a man who claimed he needed to check their property for water leaks or read the electricity meter.

The first incident happened in Grandfield Avenue. The victim was told there was a water leak by a man who attempted to get inside the property but the victim refused him entry.

The second incident happened 9.30am in Gammons Lane, north Watford, when the victim was told to wait in the hall whilst a man went into the lounge to check sockets. She later found items missing from her purse.

A third incident also happened around the same time in Gammons Lane and the victim was told there may be a water leak upstairs. However the occupant became suspicious whilst the man was in her house and he left.

The suspect is described as aged 38 to 45, around 5ft 6ins tall with a ‘chubby’ build and short dark brown or black hair. He was said to be dressed smartly.

Detective Constable Jason Tinsey from Operation Manhunt said: “In these cases the victims were either elderly or vulnerable and the offender utilised this in order to attempt to steal. “These criminals prey on the victim’s good nature so we must ensure people are aware of these tactics so they say no at the door.

“I would urge people never to open the door to a caller you are not expecting, and if you do get a suspicious call, contact police immediately. As we have seen in these cases, it is the older people in our communities who are being targeted so I would ask people to pass this message to their older friends or relatives.

“I would also urge anyone who has been approached in the same way, or who saw any suspicious activity in these locations when the incidents happened to contact police immediately.”