A PROFESSIONAL Irish gang is believed to be behind a spate of burglaries in Monmouthshire, say police.

In six incidents bogus water board officials entered the homes of elderly women.

Detective Constable Martin Harris, from Chepstow CID, said: "We believe that an Irish gang of organised professional criminals are behind these crimes.

"We believe they are still operating in the area and urge people, especially the elderly, to be aware of them and to contact 999 immediately if they suspect anything.

"These people are particularly distasteful and they prey on the most vulnerable people in society."

Thieves got away with a purse containing a cash from the Rest Way Wall OAP complex in Chepstow on April 24.

£600 was stolen from a woman in her 80s in Mathern Way, Bulwark on July 30. One man kept the woman talking in her kitchen while two others searched the house.

Thieves entered the home of an 85-year-old woman in the Warren Slade, Bulwark on August 15. They left empty handed.

£580 was stolen from an 87-year-old woman after entering her house in Quayside Cottages, Tintern on August 21.

Thieves entered the home of an 87-year-old woman in Elizabeth Sparkes Close, Caldicot on August 31. An eye witness gave a description of the men involved in that. One is described as a being aged around 20, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and short fair hair; the second is described as being aged 20, of slim build and short fair hair and the third is aged 20-22, 6ft tall with dark hair and round faced.

An attempt was made to enter the Rest Way Wall complex. One of the men was seen making a getaway in a dark car, possibly a red Ford Mondeo.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to contact Chepstow police on 01291 623993.