Following a number of bogus caller burglaries in London, police have advised the elderly to be on their guard.

Rivenhall Gardens in Snaresbrook has seen three such incidents occur in the last month, when thieves posing as water company employees tricked older people into allowing them into their houses.

Snaresbrook Safer Neighbourhood Team member Sergeant Kate O'Riordan told the East London and West Essex Guardian that older people are amongst the most vulnerable people from such crimes as many are trusting and will not hesitate to open their doors to strangers.

Chris Cummins, councillor for the ward, added: "I would just advise the elderly not to open their doors to any stranger claiming to be a tradesman unless they are certain they arranged the appointment beforehand."

According to the Observer, a report published earlier this year by the King's Institute of Gerontology indicated that some 700,000 elderly people are subjected to abuse in their own home or nursing facility.