HOUSEHOLDERS have been told to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries where pensioners have been targeted by doorstep conmen.

Two pensioners fell victim to bogus officials in Rossendale while burglars have also been caught sneaking into properties through unlocked front doors when the weather has been fine, police said.

And officers in Burnley have warned residents about conmen who are tricking their way into residents' homes by asking to use the phone but then grabbing their purses and running off.

Police said that on Tuesday an 86-year-old in Market Street, in Shawforth, was conned by a man claiming to be from the water board.

He asked her to keep watch on a running tap while he searched the rest of the house and stole around £25 in cash.

The only description police have is that he struck between 3pm and 4pm and was white, stocky and looked clean-shaven.

Earlier in the day a 90-year-old woman was tricked out of £600 by a team of con artists at her home in William Street, Ramsbottom.

She was in her back garden when a man engaged her in conversation, while his two accomplice walked through the front door and stole the money after making a brief search of the premises.

Police say the first man was white, aged around 40, who spoke with a foreign accent. He wore a light striped shirt, blue baseball cap and black pants.

The second man was also white, with dark brown hair, in his late 30s, tall, and wore a grey bomber-style jacket and dark pants.

And the third man was white, with short and dark brown hair, aged around 30, and was wearing blue clothing at the time.

Pc Phil Buck, Rossendale crime prevention officer, said: "People should keep their doors locked, even when they are in the house.

"Even if they are in the garden, and they have to go and answer the front door, they should ensure their back door is locked.

"And they should also be wary of unexpected callers to their address."

The Burnley warning came after police received reports about bogus callers visiting homes in the area.

Crime Prevention Officer, PC Nikki Corbett said: "Residents should always be wary of people who turn up unannounced trying to gain access whether it be to carry out work, use the phone or asking for a drink of water".

"Some may well be genuine but others won't be. Our advice is simple, if you are in doubt or unsure don't let anyone in and inform the Police".

People with any information about the doorstep conmen are asked to call Pc Buck on 01706 237481 or PC Corbett on 01282 477320.