BURNLEY Police has warned people to be on their guard after two pensioners were robbed by men posing as utility workers.

The two incidents, which both happened last week, have not been linked, although police said there were similarities.

In one of the distraction raids, on Friday afternoon, a man knocked on the door of a 79-year-old woman in Basnett Street. The offender told her he was an electrician.

He said he had been working on the house next door but had drilled through to her home and asked to have a look. When she let him in he told her to put any valuables she had in a plastic bag so she knew they would be safe.

But when he left, the bag, which contained £2,500 in cash and other items, had gone.

A witness saw the offender getting into a white Ford Escort van.

He has been described as white, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 7ins tall, with blonde hair. He was wearing a blue and grey lightweight top and jeans. Another witness said they had also seen a man wearing overalls that had an emblem on the breast pocket.

The first of the two burglaries happened on Tuesday at 4pm.

The thief - described as a white male, 6ft tall, with fair hair - also claimed to be an electricity worker when he called at the home of an 88-year-old woman in Cross Street.

After being let in he stole a gold and diamond engagement ring, worth £500, and £200 in cash.

Detective Sergeant Simon Cheyte, of Burnley CID, urged people to check the credentials of anyone that calls at their home.

He said: "If you are not sure about someone, ring the police.

"A genuine workman or official will not mind if a police officer comes and checks them out."

He also appealed for information about the two burglaries.

Anyone who might have seen someone matching either description, or has seen the van, should alert Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or call the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.