Heartless crooks who stole from pensioners as old as 94 are being hunted by police.

Islington Gazette: Have you seen this man?Have you seen this man? (Image: Archant)

The thieves, who police believe to be from Islington, are behind 35 distraction burglaries across the London and the south east.

In most cases they used a fake reason, like a burst pipe or repairs, to get into older people’s houses before stealing their things.

At one house, a member of the criminal team shouted “council emergency, we have to switch the water off otherwise there will be a flood”.

Luckily the quick thinking 82-year-old resident asked to see some ID and the man left.

Islington Gazette: Have you seen this car?Have you seen this car? (Image: Archant)

She said: “I am very fortunate, unlike the others, I did not believe the man’s story and did not allow him entry.

“I knew when he refused to show me his ID card that he was not genuine and I felt very angry that someone would do such a thing – they target the elderly because they’re more likely to let them in.”

Detectives investigating the spree have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the incidents, as well as a vehicle they would like to trace.

The car, a 3 door silver Audi A3 sport, is distinctive because it has a sunroof which is not a common feature on this model. Police believe that a number of cloned number plates have been used on the vehicle during the offences.

Det Insp Ben Wright, leading the investigation, said: “We would ask people to look at these images and please contact us if they can identify these men, or the vehicle pictured.

“We believe these men, who could be from the Islington area, could greatly assist the investigation.

“With the car in particular, we’d ask people to contact us if they believe they have sold this car to anyone, may have seen any suspicious incidents involving the vehicle, or have seen it parked or abandoned.

“Please do get in touch as soon as possible. Any information, however small it may seem, could prove vital to the investigation.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting Operation Parka, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.