BOGUS workmen are being hunted by police after they tricked their way into the homes of three Radcliffe pensioners.

Police are warning elderly householders to be on their guard against the conmen - who stole money and prized possessions - by checking for identification.

Two of the incidents took place within half-an-hour of each other on Saturday (Oct 12), and are thought to be linked.

A pair of men posing as electricity board workers arrived at the home of an 81-year-old man in Lord Street, Radcliffe, just after noon.

The occupant was asked to turn off his electricity so work could be completed in the street.

While he was at the back door with one of the callers, the other searched the house and fled with cash and a wallet.

A quarter of an hour later, a 73-year-old woman in King Street was also the target of two bogus electricity workmen. While she was distracted, cash, a handbag and a purse were stolen.

One man was white, 5ft 5in, of stocky build. He had a shaved head, aged 25 to 30. He was wearing light clothing.

The other is described as 5ft 5in, of slim build with blond hair. He wore grey trousers.

In another theft at 12.45pm on Monday (Oct 14), a caller visited an 85-year-old woman in Ainsworth Road, saying he was working on the loft next door.

He asked her to gather valuables together so they would not be damaged by any work he did. An accomplice then snatched a purse from the bag that she prepared, and the duo fled.

One man was white, 6ft, aged about 30, with a red striped jumper. The other was smaller, wearing a grey anorak.

Detective Constable Tanya Kitchen, of Whitefield CID, said: "We want people to be very aware of what they should do if people come around saying that they need to do work.

"Householders should ask for identification and also telephone to check with the company that the person claims to work for."

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248.

A survey released this week as part of a Help the Aged Senior Safety Campaign revealed that 35,994 elderly people each year may be victims of bogus callers in the North West alone.