Two elderly people had cash stolen by bogus callers.

The conmen pretended they were from the now defunct Water Board.

They visited their first victim – an 84-year-old man – at about 4pm on Tuesday.

A man called at a house in Beauford Road, Horam, near Heathfield, and told the victim that he had come to do routine checks on water. He went round the house and left, and the victim subsequently found that £600 cash had been taken. The crime was reported to police on the following day.

The suspect is described as white, about 5'4", in his mid-20s, of slim build and with dark brown hair. He was smartly dressed in a black suit and shoes, and had a badge saying “Water” around his neck.

The second offence happened shortly before 12.30pm on Wednesday, when a man called at a house in Churchill Avenue, Hastings, and told the 89-year-old woman living there that he had come to check her water.

After he left she found that £1,500 cash had been taken.

In this case the man is described as white, in his mid-30s, clean shaven, with short brown hair, smart and his clothing included a checked shirt. A second man was seen in the road outside and is described as having short hair and wearing a dark shirt.

Detective Constable Jim Parkinson said: “We believe these two heartless crimes may well be linked and are keen to hear from anyone who was in the areas concerned at the times.”

Call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.