HOUSEHOLDERS are warned to be wary after a series of thefts by men posing as water company representatives.

The first struck at about 2.30pm last Friday a man called at a house on Princes Avenue at Blackmoor.

After telling the 89-year-old man who lives there that his house had a water leak he entered the house and stole a quantity of cash.The offender is described as white, approximately 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He had short dark hair, spoke with an Irish accent and wore a black jumper.

Between 3.45pm and 4pm the same day, two men called at a house on Warrington Road in Leigh.

One told the 88-year-old woman occupant they had come to check the water pipes and both men entered the house. While one looked under the sink, the other went upstairs and stole cash from a bedroom.

The first man is described as white, between 5ft 5in and 5ft 10 in tall with short dark hair. He wore a dark top and trousers. The second man is described as white, approximately 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He wore a dark top and dark trousers and spoke with a local accent.

On Saturday between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, a man called at a house on Heath Lane in Lowton and asked the 54-year-old woman occupant if he could check the water supply.

While he was inside the property, a second man entered the house and stole cash from the bedroom.

One offender was described as white, approximately 18-years-old, 5ft 4in tall and of medium build. He had blonde hair and wore blue jeans and a sweatshirt with blue and grey stripes. He is thought to have spoken an Irish accent.

His accomplice was white, approximately 18-years-old, with dark blonde hair and slimly built. He wore a navy blue tracksuit.

Also on Saturday, at approximately 6.45pm, a man called at a house on Car Bank Street in Atherton and went to the home of a 72 year-old woman.

He said he was from the water company and a neighbour had sent him. The man went into the kitchen and asked the woman to look under the sink. At this point the woman became suspicious and the man left through the back door.

He is described as white, in his 40s with brown combed-back hair. He wore a grey zip-up sweater.

Detective Sergeant Dean Fraser of Leigh CID said: "The people committing these callous offences are preying on elderly and vulnerable members of the local community. It's vital we catch them as soon as possible and stop them causing more misery. While we are doing all we can to track down the people responsible, we would like to remind residents to remain vigilant at all times.

"Put money into a bank or building society rather than keeping it at home. Always use a door chain and check callers' identification thoroughly before letting them into your house. Telephone the company the caller claims to be from and check their identity.

"If you have any doubt about the identity of a caller, ask them to come back when a friend or relative can be present.