Cash was stolen from the victim's wallet in a distraction burglary in which a man posed as a water board worker.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is investigating a distraction burglary at an address in Hillrise Avenue, Watford, on Thursday, August 6.

The force said that at around 8.30am a man rang the victim's doorbell and claimed to be from the water board.

He asked to check the stopcock and was showed to the kitchen, where he spent some time turning the water on and off, police said.

When the man left the property, the victim noticed that numerous items had been moved in his bedroom and a quantity of cash had been stolen from his wallet in the living room.

Police believe a second person may have been involved while the first man distracted the victim.

Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following the incident.

Detective Constable Julie Vint, who is investigating, said: “The first offender is described as white, of a medium build, around 50 to 55 years old and approximately 5ft 6in tall. He was wearing a high-vis orange boiler suit and a white hard hat.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information about what happened to get in touch by emailing me at julie.vint@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/62186/20. Were you in the area? Did you see the offenders?

“Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could be vital in helping us to find the offenders and stopping someone else from being targeted. 

“I would urge local residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us by calling 101."