POLICE today renewed a plea for the elderly to be extra vigilant when unexpected callers ask to come into their homes.

Detective Constable Gil Evans, of Blackburn CID, said there had been a number of bogus caller type burglaries across East Lancashire.

She said the typical scenario was that someone would call at a house pretending to be a builder or electrician and say they were working at a neighbouring house and feared they had damaged their property.

On entering to inspect the 'damage' they would steal pension books, money, jewellery and any other handy valuables.

DC Evans said: "People are targeting homes that look as though they belong to elderly people.

"We don't want to scare people but want them to be aware that this is happening.

"The advice is simply not to let anyone in the house who uses this story. Always check identification and if you have any doubts at all do not let them in. If someone does try to get into your house this way call the police."