POLICE have issued a stark warning after a teenage conman stole more than £1,000 in cash from pensioners’ homes.

The teen, who was seen on a push bike, persuaded elderly residents to let him clear their driveway but then sneaked inside the homes and stole money.

He has struck at five homes in the Daneshouse, Stoneyholme and Briercliffe areas of Burnley, making off with £1,200 in total, police believe.

Insp Russ Procter, from Burnley police, said: “All of these incidents have been retired elderly people at home and all have been in the daytime.

“The offender calls at the address, asks if they want the pathway clearing and then asks for water, a brush or to go to the toilet.

“Then they leave without doing the work and having stolen money when the homeowners were not looking.”

The conman struck twice in Allendale Court, off Allendale Street, last Wednesday and again in Minehead Avenue the following day.

He then stole £400 in cash from a house in Marsden Road last Friday before taking £600 from a property in Standen Hall Drive on Monday.

All homes were owned by pensioners.

Insp Procter said: “If anyone has seen something out of the ordinary I would urge them to call us on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Officers have stepped up patrols in the affected areas and offered advice to residents, added Insp Procter.