POLICE are set to deliver leaflets warning Accrington residents to beware of bogus callers following a spate of incidents of thieves targeting elderly people.
Over the next few days, community support officers in the Milnshaw area will be delivering the information to help people keep safe from conmen.
Police are warning people to always check the identification of callers and never allow strangers into their homes.
The action has been taken after a man tricked his way inside the house of an 81-year-old woman and stole £100 which was hidden inside a one-foot-high "golliwog'' money box.
Police believe the man knocked on the door and asked for the woman's son by name.
She then let him in and he emptied the box which contained £50 in change, a black purse with zips on the side containing £100 and a house key.
The man is described as between 20 and 25 years old, 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build, with short straight light-brown hair and wearing a brown jacket.
Anyone with information should ring Accrington Police on 353742 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The incident was similar to a series of crimes which have occurred in the Milnshaw area over the past three months.
Police say young white men have been targeting elderly residents at their homes, stating that they are a friend of the family or asking for a drink.
Once allowed inside, they have been stealing items including purses, wallets and small money boxes.
Sergeant Bob Eaton said: "We will be looking to put together some sort of partnership in the area to try to prevent these offences.
"There is a well-founded public abhorrence of those who prey on the elderly and quite rightly so.
"We are doing our utmost to catch those responsible."
