RESIDENTS have been warned to be on their guard against "smooth talking" crooks who are targeting elderly and vulnerable householders.

Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, who took over all of the former council houses, are issuing a warning after a spate of incidents in which elderly have been conned into letting thieves into their homes.

Police have also warned that the same crook has targeted the homes of elderly people in Nelson and Colne this week.

A spokesman said: "We need to catch this man. It is obviously very worrying because it involves elderly people who are being specifically targeted."

Incidents have happened this week in the Gannow Top area of Burnley and two in Dryden Street, Padiham. All the victims were elderly women.

In Booth Court, Burnley, the home of a 73-year-old man, a purse containing £150 was taken.

The conman, who speaks with either a Liverpool or Irish accent, got into their homes by claiming that he could arrange for people on benefits or pensions to get free work carried out by Burnley Council.

The crook in Padiham was a woman claiming to be from the warden service operated by the care services division of Burnley and Padiham Community Housing.

Marketing and public relations officer Alan Tyrrell said all employees of B&P Community Housing and Burnley Borough Council carried identity badges which have a photograph of the employee on the front and the contact telephone number on the back.

Mr Tyrrell said: "It is essential that everyone who receives a visit from someone they don't know should insist that the identification badge is produced and that they refuse entry to anyone that does not have one."

"Everyone must be on their guard against evil individuals who are targeting elderly and vulnerable people."

Anyone with information about the crooks is asked to tell Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.