SALVATION Army bosses have warned people to be on their guard after a 92-year-old woman's house was burgled by hoax callers.

The thieves, a woman and a boy aged about 12, called at the woman's house in Darwen, claiming they were from the charity and were dropping off a Christmas food box.

They then made various excuses to enter different rooms and left -- taking the woman's purse with her.

Captain Ivor Telfer of the Salvation Army said he was dismayed at what has happened.

"I'm shocked, I don't know how people could go so low" he said.

Capt Telfer said there were a number of tell-tale signs that giveaway hoax callers.

"Official Salvation Army representatives never come to a house without telephoning the occupant first," said Capt Telfer.

"Recipients of Christmas parcels are selected by government agencies, other charities and our volunteers. We always contact them," he added.

Unfortunately not all Salvation Army volunteers have identity cards. Ministers that wear the traditional uniform do have them but Capt Telfer said there are that many it is virtually impossible to provide every volunteer with one. Nor is there a system to let people know they are official representatives.

He didn't think this offence, and a number of similar ones in Bolton will dent the public's confidence in the Salvation Army.

He said: "Most people know we are genuine, it is just a heartless few that prey on the public's confidence but I don't think trust will be dented."