HOUSEHOLDERS in Burnley and Padiham are again being warned against conmen and high pressure sales people.

Both police and the local housing company which took over the running of Burnley's council houses the have expressed concerns.

Residents are being told to take extra care in the company's newsletter, just delivered throughout the area.

It warns: "Someone is always trying to get their hands on your money, money that may be very scarce, hard-earned or saved for some other reason."

They advise: "The offer may even be free, or so they say. Whatever the offer, no matter how tempting, our advice to you all is not to get involved with the ever-increasing number of people knocking on your door ,trying to sell or give you something."

Increasing numbers of thieves posing as council workers or Burnley and Padiham Housing Company representatives have been reported on the estates.

Residents are asked to remember: "A lot of these people are trying to con you out of your money or possessions. It is up to you to say no."

The residents are urged to wary of people claiming that repairs to their homes can be done quicker.

"All you have to do is call us and the repairs will be done for you and done free," the newsletter adds.

Customers living in sheltered housing have been victims of theft of property after allowing people without proper identity documents into their homes.

The advice from Alan Tyrrell, the company's marketing manager, is not to admit callers into your home, not to sign anything and, if in any doubt, to ask for official guidance.