Police are hunting a trickster who has burgled the homes of eight pensioners in less than a month.

The man, who victims told police is very polite and even kisses his female victims goodbye, tricks his way into homes by pretending to be a workman.

The man has been linked to five burglaries in Kingston, one in Sutton and two in the Ewell West area, since November 27.

He is described as non-white, aged between 25 and 45, with dark hair and slim build.

Detective Constable Alan Mears of Kingston CID said: “I am asking the community to work with us to find this man and prevent more crimes of this nature.

“This man may well have called on other people in the area, we would ask those people to come forward.

“Your information could help us stop more elderly people becoming the victim of this criminal.

“If you have elderly neighbours, relatives or friends take any opportunity to warn them about this type of crime.

“Remind them to make sure those workers who call at the door are genuine before they let them in.

“They should check their identification and if in doubt make them wait at the door. They can then contact the company the caller says he works for.

"If they think this person is a bogus caller they should phone police immediately on 999."

Anyone with information should call Det Con Mears on 020 8721 5819, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, and quote reference number 0411715/14.