BOGUS callers were still preying on elderly Fylde people this week.

An 93-year-old woman was the victim of two thieves at her home in sheltered accommodation on Threlfall Road in South Shore, Blackpool this week.

The two men knocked on her door and struck up a conversation with her. One of them said he was desperate to use the toilet and asked if he could come in.

The old lady let them into her home and while one went off to the bathroom the other kept her talking. The first thief nipped into the lady's bedroom and stole a brown leather purse, a small amount of cash, her savings card and savings book, an eternity ring and a dress ring, valued altogether at £257.

Police said that the elderly lady was very distressed by the incident and was unable to give a description of the men.

However two men were seen acting suspiciously in the area at the time. One was aged 30 to 35, 6ft 2ins tall with a black or blue suit, jet black hair. The other was 5ft 8ins tall, and wore a dark baseball cap with a white edge, a dark anorak and blue jeans.

Anyone with any information about the two men can contact Blackpool police on 293933.

The Citizen reminds all elderly people to use the Stop, Chain, Check routine to beat bogus callers. More information on stopping these callous thieves from targeting old folk can be obtained by contacting Crime Prevention Officers at Blackpool Central Police Station on 607244.

Residents can also find out how to make their homes safer -- and in some cases obtain grants to help with security measures -- from Age Concern's Home Security Advice Centre at 24 Cookson Street in Blackpool. Call them on 751747 or on freephone (0800) 917 2376.