POLICE in Blackburn have warned householders against bogus officials operating in the town.

Two houses in the Whalley New Road and Lancaster Place areas were burgled within an hour yesterday morning after a man asked to check the water supply.

After he was allowed into the houses a second man went in.

At the first house he stole a large amount of cash but was disturbed at the second.

One man is described as white, 30-40, 5ft 8ins, stocky, with short, straight, dark hair. He was wearing clean navy blue overalls or a boiler suit and using thick yellow gardening gloves with white piping.

The second man was wearing a similar boiler suit and gloves.

Sergeant Sally Riley said: "There are genuine workmen in the area wearing similar clothing and, if in any doubt, residents should always check their identity with employers prior to allowing access to officials.

"Any genuine caller will happily wait while you confirm who they are with their company. It is also advisable to shut and lock the door while doing this.

"During the recent good weather doors have often been left open or unlocked offering easy access to bogus officials.

"In addition people should regularly bank large amounts of money rather than hiding them in the house to prevent such substantial losses."

Anyone with information on these or similar incidents should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.