ELDERLY and vulnerable residents are being warned not to open their doors to strangers after a 90-year-old had her purse stolen in a distraction burglary in Blackburn.

Police said the female thief targeted the woman because of her age and vulnerability, and is also believed to have attempted to scam other people in the area.

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The distraction burglary happened at a house in Sunny Bank Road at around 6.40pm on Sunday.

The thief is said to have told her victim that she had left her purse at a neighbour’s house. While the 90-year-old was distracted, the thief is then said to have gone into her house and stolen her purse containing £80, as well as bank cards. No arrest has been made.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area and PCSO Tom Archer said the woman tried to distract other neighbours by asking for a glass of water before attempting to burgle their houses.

PCSO Archer said: “This offender has targeted their victim purely because of her age and vulnerability.

“I find it hard to believe people can prey on people in such a way, which in turn makes us determined to find those responsible.

“The female has also attempted to distract other residents who live close by. The female will ask for a drink and attempt to steal property from inside addresses once the occupant has been distracted. I urge all residents, and in particular the elderly and vulnerable, not to open the door to strangers unless it is a pre-arranged visit or someone you recognise. If you are not sure, do not answer the door.”

Police have issued a description of a woman they want to speak to in connection with Sunday’s incident. She is a scruffy, white female in her 30s with straggly, fair hair and of a very slim build. She also has a noticeable mole/wart on her face, near her cheek.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 6.40pm on July 17 to reports of a burglary at a house on Sunny Bank Road, Blackburn. It would appear a female offender told the 90-year-old female occupant she had left her purse at a neighbour’s house.

“While the victim was distracted, the offender entered the property and stole the victim’s purse, which contained around £80 in cash and bank cards. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information, or any victims, should call police on 101, quoting log reference LC-20160717-1290.