A 37-year-old woman who allegedly took thousands of dollars from elderly victims across Auckland and Hamilton's been charged

Police searched a Ranui property today as part of an investigation into fraud and burglary between December and January.

They say the woman allegedly targeted elderly women living alone, entering their homes under false pretences - before taking their bank cards and using them to withdraw cash.

Police believe more than five-thousand dollars was taken from three victims, all in their 80s - two in Hamilton and one in Auckland.

They say the offending was nothing short of despicable.