POLICE have told pensioners not to keep large amounts of cash in their homes, after a 75-year-old had £400 stolen by a man he thought was selling coats.

The man was approached by the thief in Snape Street, Darwen and said his name was Tony and he was selling some jackets.

At this point the OAP went into his house on Snape Street with the man following.

When he pulled out a wallet to pay for the coat, 'Tony' grabbed the wallet and ran out of the house. He was seen escaping in a black saloon car.

This incident comes just a day after an 85-year-old woman had £230 stolen from her house at Turton.

In that incident the burglar tried to say the woman should know him but fled when she did not fall for it.

In the last month there have been several incidents in Darwen involving bogus officials.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley of Darwen CID said: "That amount of cash should never be kept in a house, especially in a wallet.

"I would recommend to people they should always ask for ID when approached by salesmen.

"In the light of recent incidents, I would ask everyone, not just OAPs to be extra vigilant."

The trickster was aged about 30 with olive skin and dark hair. He was also of muscular build.

Anyone with any information on the offence should contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777.