A BOGUS electrician has sparked a police warning to shops and offices across East Lancashire after a series of thefts.

The plausible thief, with a strong Irish accent, has raided premises in Nelson, Burnley, Accrington, Blackburn and Preston, stealing cash and personal property from staff areas.

He usually carries a screwdriver and has a pencil behind an ear, and tells shop staff he is an electrical contractor. He sometimes says he is working for Norweb.

He talks his way in by saying they are carrying out work in the area replacing cables and that he needs to check the supply and the junction box or fuse box in the premises.

If left alone he then steals handbags, purses, cash and other property.

So far, he has struck at Penny's chartered surveyors in Manchester Road, Nelson, a dental practice in Railway Road, Blackburn, Manning's bakery in Union Street, Accrington, the Burnley Express office, Bull Street, Burnley, and a herbal medicine centre in St Wilfrid's Street, Preston.

Det Sgt Sam Birtwell said: "He seems interested only in cash. Most of the other property has been discarded nearby and found later."

Anyone with information can contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

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