Police are warning residents after an increase in reports of bogus callers visiting homes in Peterhead.

A man has been reported for attending residential properties offering to sell cigarettes, taking cash for these items but not returning with the goods.

The man is about 25, 5ft 10in and of slim build. He is white and has curly shoulder length brown hair.

Incidents in the School Road, Harbour Street, Copeman Avenue, Clerkhill Road, Uphill Lane, Mid Street and Catto Crescent areas have also been reported.

Detective constable Steven Young, who is investigating the reported incidents, said: "Following a number of reports of a bogus caller and sneak-in thefts in recent weeks, we believe these incidents are linked and are appealing for information from the public.

"We are also advising the community to be wary of cold callers offering to sell items and requesting payment upfront."

He added: "A number of people have paid upfront for items never provided, in total it is believed a low four figure sum of cash has been fraudulently obtained or stolen as a result of sneak-in thefts between August and October 2017.

"Additionally, if you believe you may have been a victim to this type of fraud and haven't reported it, police are encouraging you to do so."