Detectives investigating a series of distraction burglaries in North London have named a man they want to talk to in connection with the incidents.

Frank Donoghue, aged 21 years, has lived in both the Harrow and Watford area. He is 6ft 2in tall and of slim build. He has short dark brown wavy hair and blue/green eyes and also speaks with an Irish accent.

Donoghue is wanted in connection with up to 27 distraction burglaries, which have occurred across the county. These offences occurred between November 12, 2002 and June 13, 2003. The burglaries have all been linked, as the offender has used a similar trick/con – pretending to be a waterboard worker – to gain access to the home of the elderly victim.

The offences have occurred across the county, with ten burglaries in the St Albans area, ten in Watford and Three Rivers, four in Welwyn Garden City and three around Stevenage.

Detective Sergeant Mick Ward, said: "We are anxious to speak to Frank Donoghue in connection to these crimes. Distraction burglaries are particularly callous offences, and the offenders target the elderly using a variety of heartless tricks to con their way into the homes of the elderly and vulnerable.

"If you know the whereabouts of this man please contact us immediately, we urgently need to speak to Frank Donoghue to assist us in our investigation into these despicable crimes."

Any one with information about DS Mick Ward or DC Nigel Wood from Operation Manhunt on 01707 638176 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.