ELDERLY residents are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of distraction burglaries in South Lakeland.

Police said four such incidents occurred over the past two weeks, two on the Heron Hill estate in Kendal, one at Oxenholme and one at Arnside.

On each occasion, a young woman knocked on a door claiming her brother's football had gone into the garden.

Police said she then lured the resident outside, and another offender entered the house, stealing purses, wallets and handbags.

For the full story, get the Gazette