POLICE today warned people in East Lancashire not to keep large amounts of cash in their homes after a 92-year-old woman had £3,000 stolen in a burglary.

The distraught pensioner, who lives alone, was asleep in bed when the raider struck at the house in Hobart Street, Burnley.

Part of the kitchen window was smashed by the crook who then reached inside and opened the back door.

After searching the property the burglar stole the cash and the victim's pension book.

The raid happened between 10pm on Wednesday and 5am on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Derry Crorken of Burnley CID said the woman did not hear anything and only discovered the break in when she woke up in the morning.

He said: "This a lot of money for anyone to have stolen and the lady is distraught by what has happened.

"People should not keep large amounts of money in the house especially in the run up to Christmas when burglars are on the lookout for committing these offences."

And he added: "The families of old people should also make sure they put money in a bank account and if they don't have one open one.

"Also people should not let people who knock on their door in to their homes unless they have valid identification."

Anyone with information should call detectives at Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.