THREE elderly Bury residents have become the latest defenceless targets of petty criminals.

Two female pensioners lost cash and other property while a 78-year-old man had a lucky escape when two men, claiming to be water board workers, were disturbed after tricking their way into his home.

All three incidents happened in the space of an hour on Thursday afternoon (Jan 25).

The first offence happened at noon in Rufford Drive, Whitefield, when a teenage thief grabbed a shopping bag from a 72-year-old woman. The bag contained a mobile phone and a purse containing £15. The thief is described only as a white male, aged 17, with black hair. Witnesses are asked to contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 and quote reference number GMP26963M/01.

Ten minutes later, police were called to Myrtle Street in Bury after a 78-year-old man disturbed two bogus callers, described only as white males and aged between 30 and 40, as they attempted to steal property from his home.

Detectives from Bury CID are investigating the matter and anyone with any information should call 856 8150 and quote reference number GMP1034.

Finally, at 1pm, £40 was stolen from an 87-year-old woman in Victoria Street, Ainsworth. A man called at her home and asked for a key to a neighbour's property. While the woman was distracted, the man entered the house and grabbed a purse.

Whitefield CID are investigating the incident. Callers should quote reference number GMP26955L/01.