CONMEN pretending to be officials from the water board have been tricking their way into the homes of elderly people in Pendle.

CID officers in Nelson have urged residents, particularly the elderly, to be extra vigilant when letting people into their houses.

The warning came after two incidents in Colne in which people conned their way in to the houses of elderly people.

Detective Sergeant Steve Pemberton, of Nelson CID, said: "They have been gaining entry to the houses using various excuses for being there. They keep the residents occupied by getting them do something downstairs while they or their partner go upstairs and steal from them.

"We would ask people to check for ID and if they are in any doubt check with the water board and don't let them in."

A man, who was described as smartly dressed, in his 20s, 5ft 6ins, slim, with short black hair, wearing a black and white vertically striped shirt and tie and gloves, tricked his way into a house in Harrison Drive, Colne, at 2pm on Thursday.In a second incident 25 minutes later, two men knocked on the door of another 84-year-old, in Ellesmere Avenue, also pretending to be from the water board and stole a small amount of cash.

They were both described as in their 20s and smartly dressed.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A United Utilities spokesman said customers could register with ExtraCare for peace of mind.

She explained: "Customers can register a password to beat bogus callers

"Our password scheme helps give that extra protection at the door." To register call freephone 0800 0567693.