POLICE in Pennine Division are urging vulnerable residents to be more vigilant after an increase in distraction burglaries.

Elderly people, in particular, are being warned to keep their doors locked to strangers after a 91-year-old man had £20 stolen from his house in Thursfield Road, Burnley, by a woman pretending to be a nurse.

The incident happened at about 3.30pm last Saturday.

DS Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "The caller claimed she was a nurse and got into his house under that pretence, as he has health visitors. She engaged him in conversation, asking him about his health problems.

"She briefly examined his neck and lower back and she left saying she would return with medication."

She was described as white, 30 years, 5ft 4in, with dark, shoulder-length straight hair and was wearing blue clothing.

The next day, a woman stole £70 from the house of a 48-year-old man, in Griffin Close.

The incident occurred at 8.10pm last Sunday when the woman pressed the intercom and said she was the friend of a neighbour.

DS Mounsey said: "He let her in and she started talking to him. There was another knock at the door and a male walked in carrying some papers, telling the man that he could offer him some business deal.

"He became suspicious and while he ushered the man out of the property, the woman stole the money."

He saw the woman tucking the money down the back of her jeans so he grabbed her. There was a struggle but she escaped.

The woman was described as white, 5ft 5in, with fair hair, dark trousers and a grey and maroon striped top.

The man was said to be 5ft 7in, in his early 20s, with fair hair and wearing a light-green sweatshirt.

DS Mounsey said: "It has been noticeable recently that there have been quite a few of these incidents.

"There was an appeal last week about one in the Duke Bar area and there have been a couple in Accrington Road.

"We reiterate to people who may class themselves vulnerable to be particularly careful who they allow into their house.

"Most of these incidents involve someone knocking on the door or pressing an intercom and claiming to be somebody and people are allowing them access without questioning them further.

"If they do that they could be letting anyone into their house. Neighbours should also be vigilant and contact the police if they see anything suspicious."

An 89-year-old man, in Newfield Drive, Nelson, was also tricked last Wednesday evening by a woman pretending to be a carer. She chatted to him and pretended to examine an injury to his knee while stealing some cash from him.

The woman was described as white, 20 to 25 years, 5ft 7in, with discoloured teeth.

DC Ian Taylor, of Nelson CID, said: "We are currently looking to see if there are any links between the Nelson and Burnley incidents. At this stage there is no direct link but the method is similar."

Anyone with information about either of the Burnley burglaries should contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or for the Nelson incident contact DC Taylor on 01282 472646.