A BOGUS window cleaner carrying a red bucket and a squeegee stole cash after calling at two houses in Basingstoke.

The first theft took place at 1pm on Thursday, July 18, when the man walked through an open front door of a house in Cliddesden Road.

A 73-year-old woman, who lived at the house, confronted him before he offered to clean windows. She declined but later found £20 was missing from her handbag.

The second theft took place at 11.30am on Monday, July 22.

The man called at a sheltered housing complex, again in Cliddesden Road, and asked a 57-year-old man, who is vulnerable, for a drink. He then took the man’s wallet, which contained £300 in cash and bank cards.

The man is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with short, dark hair. The woman described him as wearing a red t-shirt and jeans with a tattoo on his upper right arm.

Police are linking the two incidents.

A 32-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested in connection with these incidents but has been released with no further action.

Anyone with information can contact PC Craig Bannerman at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.