Cheeky burglars got into their victim's homes through unlocked or open doors.
They then kept the owners talking while a partner in crime searched the property.
Two homes were struck in the Clacton area on the same day although police are not currently linking the two.
In the first burglary, a pensioner was astonished when two men walked into her lounge at about 5pm on Monday.
Insp Richard Day, of Clacton police, said: "When challenged, they said they were working with the police and asked her if she had any money."
He said one of the men looked around her home in First Avenue, Clacton, while the other kept her talking.
Police are still investigating to discover if anything was stolen from the woman's home.
Both men were described as clean shaven and fairly tall.
They both had dark coloured hair and were in their late teens or early 20s.
In Parry Drive, Clacton, two men got into a pensioner's home through a door left ajar on Monday afternoon.
They stole about £30 in cash and a cheque book.
Anyone with information which could help is asked to contact Clacton police on 01255 221312.
Published Wednesday May 26, 2004
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