ELDERLY people are urged to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries.

Police have issued a warning after a number of bogus official burglaries on the homes of elderly people.

Last week there were six incidents in the Atherton area when pensioners were targeted.

In Leigh Road, the thieves punched a woman who was suspicious of their behaviour and challenged them.

Leigh police Insp Bill Dyke has strongly condemned the villains. He said: "These thieves are heartless cowards who are incapable of making a living without having to create misery and heartache for others.

"What sort of person can trick their way into the homes of elderly people and then steal from them?"

Police say the thieves tend to operate in groups of two or three and have recently been pretending to be water service officials.

Check

Now they urge people to check the identification of all callers before they allow them access to their homes.

And if you are in any doubt, do not let them in and call the police on 999.

Anyone with any information about the Atherton burglaries should call Leigh Police on 0161 856 7254 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.