A NOTORIOUS conman who has targeted more than 100 elderly victims may have struck again in East Lancashire.

The thief -- dubbed The Watchman because he poses as an antiques dealer -- has been blamed for crimes across Lancashire in recent years.

Now police are investigating his possible connection to a theft in Oswaldtwistle.

Police said the thief called at the Milton Street home of an 84-year-old man on August 4.

He showed him some wristwatches and asked if he had any to sell.

While inside the house he is said to have stolen cash.

The pensioner did not realise until earlier this week that the money had gone.

The offender was white, but well-tanned, around 50 years old, 5ft 9ins tall, and stocky, with dark hair.

Police admitted they were looking at the similarities between the offence and the activities of The Watchman.

DS Ian Geogarty, of Accrington CID, said: "We are investigating possible links to previous offences committed by The Watchman."

The Watchman also offers to clean antique clocks and watches, which he takes away.

If he cannot see anything of value, he asks victims to change a £10 or £20 note to see where they keep money.

In December last year he stole an antique clock from an Oswaldtwistle pensioner and called at two homes in Garfield Street, Accrington, but did not get away with anything.

He is also known to have struck in Blackburn, Burnley, Darwen, Bacup, Padiham, Chorley, Preston, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Blackpool and Wyre.

DS Geogarty urged people to be vigilant and to report anyone suspicious calling at their door, particularly if they offer to buy or sell watches.

He said: "It is very important to ask for identification from callers before letting them in. If people are in any doubt at all about a person they should not let them in."