Bogus ‘water board’ inspectors are roaming London’s East End ready to burgle homes, police warned today.

They have struck five times in the past week with the scam used on unsuspecting householders.

A man dressed in smart clothes tells the occupant he works for the water or drainage company and needs to run through checks with them.

Once inside, he keeps the occupant talking and away from the front door—while a second man slips in and quietly goes through the house searching for valuables.

Police believe three or four men are running the scam.

One is dressed in a dark suit with a dark jumper and “an English accent.” He is white, aged about 35 to 40, athletic build, 5ft 9ft to 6ft tall, with short dark brown hair.

One of his accomplices, also white, aged 30 to 40 and about 5ft 7ins tall, is said to walk with a limp. Another accomplice is black, age 30 to 40, about 5ft 5ins tall.

Det Con Alex Wheater of the Serious Crime Unit at Bethnal Green said: “Householders should question anyone who knocks on the door and make sure the caller shows their identity and not be frightened to call the person’s employer. They shouldn’t open the door if in doubt.”

Anyone with information about the bogus callers is being urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.