CONMEN pretending to be council workmen and Benefits Agency officials have stolen nearly £1,000 from two pensioners.

One stole £400 from an elderly householder in Highfield Road, Clitheroe, after pretending to be a council workman.

He said he needed the money to buy materials to undertake work on the roof of the pensioner's house.

He is described as white, in his 30s, about 5ft 10ins, of medium build, with short, fair hair and a local accent.

He was wearing faded jeans and a navy blue anorak, with light blue shoulders, and carrying a black attache case and camera.

A man also entered the home of a pensioner in Barrow after claiming he was from the Benefits Agency.

He was later ejected from the premises but shortly afterwards an accomplice entered using the same excuse and managed to steal £500, a bank book, a diamond engagement ring and a gold and bronze elocution medal engraved with a name. The first male was white, with short, dark hair, a swarthy complexion, wearing an earring in his left ear and of scruffy appearance.

The second was also white, about 5ft 4ins, of medium build, with short, scruffy hair and mis-shaped teeth causing him to have a slight lisp.

Lancashire Constabulary Crimestoppers coordinator DC Andy Edwards advised all householders to insist on seeing ID from workmen.

"Check ID carefully and, if in doubt, keep them out and ring the police," he said. "Don't let anyone into your home if you are suspicious."

Anyone with information about the above crimes is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Clitheroe Police on 01200 443344.

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