Police say six elderly people in Auckland have been robbed in the past few days by a man impersonating an officer.
The man managed to get into his victims' homes by claiming that he was checking burglaries in their neighbourhood, police say. Once inside, he stole or tried to steal handbags, cash cards and other belongings.
Most of the robberies happened in Orewa, Takapuna, Northcote, Herne Bay and Westmere on Thursday morning.
Police believe the robberies are connected to the theft of a blue Honda Prelude in Remuera on Monday and a second car theft early on Thursday when the owner of a black Holden ClubSport was pushed to the ground in Penrose.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard says people should be wary of anyone cold-calling at home and should always ask police for their identity badges.