POLICE are stepping up action to track down a jewellery-snatching conman who is preying on pensioners in Darwen.

The move follows six reports from elderly residents who say they have been visited by a man asking about their valuables.

During the first incident at the end of January the man visited the home of a 79-year-old woman in Thirlmere Drive, claiming to be a dealer in jewellery and antiquities.

He returned on Monday, February 1, and stole a £7,000 ring while pretending to clean it.

The offender was described as white, 50 to 60 years old, 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, clean shaven, and was wearing spectacles. He wore a fawn, three-quarter length raincoat and a trilby or deerstalker checked hat.

Last week a man visited houses in Ellison Fold Terrace, Lord Street, Monton Road, Richmond Terrace and Lightbown Street. He was described as 30 to 60 years old, of similar height and build with dark or possibly greying hair.

Inspector Stuart Coates of Darwen Police said: "Six elderly people have been in touch telling us about their dealings with a man who has knocked at their door and asked about jewellery.

"We are hoping to get an artist's impression drawn up to help with our inquiries.

"As far as we know, only the lady in Thirlmere Drive actually had anything stolen, although there may be many others who are unaware that they have anything missing.

"The description of the offender does not match exactly in all the incidents but they may still be connected.

"These bogus calls are giving us great cause for concern and anybody who sees anything suspicious should ring us straight away."

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