Over the last two months, the culprit has conned his way into the homes of 18 women by telling them there is a problem with their water supply.

Once inside he has been distracting his victims, who all live alone, then stealing their handbags and purses.

All the women live in north Carlisle. The burglar is white, in his late 20s or early 30s with short, brown hair.

Cumbria Police say all the raids have happened in daylight hours before 1700 GMT and the victims have been left feeling "frightened and violated."

They are also urging locals to check on elderly neighbours and relatives and call them if they see anyone behaving suspiciously in the area.

A police spokesman said: "These burglaries are particularly upsetting because elderly, vulnerable women are being specifically targeted."