Police have issued a warning after two reports of people posing as carol singers stealing items from homes in Stratford and Warwick.

At around 6pm on Friday (20 December), a woman with two children knocked on a door at St Michaels Road, Warwick.

The children asked for food and the resident invited them in while she got snacks.

When the group left, the victim noticed a quantity of cash had been stolen from her purse.

The suspect is described as a woman with a mixed ethnic background, around 5ft 2in, with two girls believed to be around eight to 10 years old.

At around 4.20pm on Thursday (19 December), a woman and two children entered a property on Crane Close, Stratford, while carrying a red money tin.

The resident's airpods and charger were stolen.

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Thomas Quinlan, said: "Distraction burglars often target elderly or vulnerable people, tricking their way into homes.

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"Unfortunately even at Christmas time, it appears these individuals are preying on the goodwill of residents. Nobody should become a victim of crime in their own home - our advice is to say no to cold-callers and to report any suspicious activity immediately."

If anyone witnessed or has doorbell footage of the above offences, please report on warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.

For further advice on preventing burglary, please visit Keep burglars out of your property | Warwickshire Police. Please also share this with friends and family.