MEN, dubbed 'professional thieves', have targeted elderly residents in Cudworth.
Four properties on Rose Tree Avenue were subject to distraction burglarles by men claiming to be working for the gas board.
Coun Joe Hayward said he was contacted last Friday morning from a number of residents concerned about bogus workmen.
He said a number of them had had cash and property stolen.
Police confirmed they had received reports of distraction burglaries and cold calling in the area.
Coun Charlie Wraith said: "These are people operating as professional thieves.
"I've spoke to some of the people who have fallen victim to this and they're too embarrassed to talk about it, which is understandable. The thieves have fake badges and uniforms - these are not amateurs."
Police officers visited streets in Cudworth on Monday to warn residents not to open the door to strangers.
There have also been reports of cold callers targeting residents on streets in Monk Bretton and Goldthorpe.
