A POLICE plea for vigilance has been made after three pensioners’ homes were burgled in a single afternoon.

Each of the “sneak-in” burglaries in villages east of York is thought to have been carried out by the same male teenager.

Police are now stepping up patrols and asking witnesses to come forward following the incidents on Saturday, September 4. The first two occurred in Sutton Lane, Sutton-upon-Derwent, at about 2pm, and in Storking Lane, Wilberfoss, at about 3.20pm.

On both occasions the offender was disturbed. The suspect is described as being between 17 to 19, of slim build, with short brown hair, and wearing a white T-shirt with brown stripes.

On the third occasion, in Viking Road, Stamford Bridge, at about 4pm, the homeowner challenged a male of a similar age, found in rear gardens.

He was time wearing an orange top, and the woman resident later found her handbag, containing cash and bank cards, stolen from her home.

Sergeant Peter Rogers, of the Pocklington and Wolds Weighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These are particularly unpleasant burglaries, as they have specifically targeted elderly residents in these villages.

“We are reminding everyone to be vigilant and reminding people to ensure that if they are out in the garden out of view of back doors and open windows, to secure them to ensure that sneak thieves are unable to take advantage of people.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously near the homes of elderly people, please phone the police straight away. You may help detect or deter a crime.”

About £400 cash has been stolen in total from the three offences.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222.