A 94-YEAR-OLD pensioner was the target of a bogus electrician in her own home.

Police said the elderly woman was left shaken by the incident that saw a man posing as an electrician gain entry to her home to steal her purse.

The incident happened at the victim’s Foulridge home on Wednesday when the bogus official knocked on her door.

Officers said between 2.30pm and 3pm, the woman let the man into her flat in Breeze Close after he had told her that he was an official wanting to check electrical equipment in her property.

Once inside, the man has looked in all the rooms unaccompanied and then left. The woman then noticed her purse missing from her bag which contained cash, her bank card and store cards.

The thief is described as white, approximately 30-years-old, tall and was wearing what appeared to be some type of uniform and a badge.

Officers are now asking members of the public to remain alert and vigilant and urging anyone with information to contact them.

Sgt Dave Clarke from Burnley Police said: “This was an awful experience for the victim given her age and because she believed the man to be genuine but instead he has just helped himself to her purse.

“If anyone has seen a man matching the description of this bogus official in Breeze Close or the surrounding areas on Wednesday, or has any information please get in touch.

“Similarly, if you think you have been a victim of something similar yourself, please do report it to us.

“I am urging people, particularly the elderly and those who live alone, to remain vigilant and would say to ensure that your home is secure at all times and don’t allow anyone without valid identification access.

“If you’re unsure, don’t let them in and keep the chain on the door while talkingand check with the company the person is claiming to be from.”

Anyone with details can call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting incident reference 914 of January 14, 2015.