The residents from Woore in north Shropshire suspected the strangers were bogus callers. They refused them entry to their homes, told them to go away and contacted the police.

The incidents happened at around 5.30pm last night at addresses in The Northlands and London Road, Woore.

Today, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, the head of Shropshire CID, praised the residents for “doing everything right”.

He said: “The golden rule is never to let strangers who knock on your door inside your property, even if they offer to show identity cards.

“Genuine callers from the council or a utility company will always give advance notice by letter. The occupants of these two addresses had their wits about them and did everything just right.

“I would remind people, especially the elderly, to be on their guard against distraction burglars and bogus tradesmen, who are seeking to gain advantage. These incidents are fairly rare in Shropshire but they do occur from time to time.

“However plausible callers may look or sound, do not let them inside your home,” DCI Edwards added. If work needs doing to the house or garden, book a local tradesperson so you know they are genuine.”

In once instance yesterday, a young man told a 79-year-old woman in London Road he needed to come inside to turn her taps on to check the water. She refused him entry saying she would check with Severn Trent and the man promptly left.

At The Northlands, several men called at a house wanting to work on the guttering. Again, they left empty-handed.

Police are urging residents to immediately call 0300-333-3000 if their suspicions are raised by strangers calling. They have also appealed for information about yesterday’s incidents in Woore.