POLICE have issued an urgent warning to residents to be on alert over bogus workers targeting elderly women in their 80s.

There were two incidents on Wednesday in Clydebank and Dumbarton with similarities that prompted officers to appeal for witnesses and vigilance.

And a third woman was affected earlier on Thursday.

The first incident happened around 1.50pm on November 14 in Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, where an 85-year-old woman was home alone.

Two men appeared and said there were issues with the water supply and they needed to check water quality. They went into the kitchen and bathroom, running taps, and while the OAP was distracted, they stole money from her.

The men are described as aged 35 to 50 years old, of medium build and wearing yellow high-viz jackets.

Police are looking at whether this is linked to a second incident about 1pm, earlier on Wednesday when an 80-year-old woman in Strathclyde Road, Dumbarton, was targeted. Nothing was stolen.

On Thursday, at 1.15pm, in Risk Street, Dumbarton, a man tried to gain entry to a home to check for blockages in the water system caused by nappies. The woman, again in her 80s, allowed him in but then became uncomfortable and asked him to leave.

Inspector Roddy MacNeill said: "These were particularly heinous acts, entering the property of elderly lone women."

He said CID were dealing with the investigation and appealed for witnesses to contact them on 101.

Nobody should be allowed entry in without proper identification and anyone with concerns should contact police.