POLICE are warning people living in North Lancashire to beware of thieves distracting them in order to sneak in to their home.

Two recent incidents have seen a man and a woman who use the technique to steal from homes at Carnforth and Caton within the last week.

The first incident happened on Friday October 19 between 3pm and 3.30pm in Fell View, Caton.

In the second incident, a couple meeting a similar description approached the owner of a house on Grange View, Carnforth at around 1.45pm on Tuesday afternoon.

They claimed to have lost some property at the rear of the home and, while the woman talked to the householder, the man sneaked in and took £300 in cash.

The man is described as white, with dark hair, a dark complexion and very dark eyes.

In the previous incident he was described as being in his late 30s and scruffily dressed and spoke with an Irish or cockney accent.

The woman is also white, with very dark hair in a ponytail. Her age has been given as 12 and 15 in the latest incident, and in her late teens or early 20s in the earlier one. On the first occasion she was described as being of plump build with mousy hair.

They left the area in a sky blue saloon car with the registration number G904 WOT.

A man and a woman answering this description have also claimed to represent organisations such as the council, utility services and charities, targeting the elderly and walking into houses uninvited..

Police have advised people to lock their houses even while at home. If there is a knock at the door, a door viewer should be used or the person visiting should be looked at through the front window. If a chain is fitted, it should be used.

Lancashire police crime prevention officer Phil Corris said: "Ask any caller at your door these three questions; who are you, what do you want and can I see your identification?"

The police's rural beat officer for the Lune Valley, Sue Palmer, added: "All genuine officials and representatives carry identity cards. Insist on seeing these, and study them carefully.

"If you are not entirely happy, do not take the chain off the door and do not let them in."