THIEVES posing as workmen struck at the homes of two pensioners at the weekend.

Both incidents, which took place within half-an-hour of each other on Saturday (Oct 12), are thought to be linked.

Two men posing as electricity board workers arrived at the home of an 81-year-old man in Lord Street, Radcliffe, just after noon.

The occupant was asked to turn off his electricity so that work could be completed in the street.

While he was at the back door with one of the callers, the other searched the house and made off with cash and a wallet.

A 73-year-old woman in King Street, Radcliffe, was the target of two bogus electricity workmen who visited at 12.15pm. While she was distracted, cash, a handbag and a purse were stolen.

One man was white, 5ft 5in, of stocky build a with a shaved head, aged 25-30. He was wearing light clothing. The other is described as 5ft 5in, of slim build, with blond hair. He wore grey trousers.

Police are urging householders to check the identification of callers to their property.