BURGLARS have been preying on elderly residents by pretending to be from the water board to get into their homes.

Police are warning people to be on their guard against the bogus officials after they struck at two homes in the same afternoon.

The first address was on Hathaway Road, Lancaster, when an 82-year-old woman living alone answered her door just after 2pm.

Her caller claimed to be from the water board and asked to be let in to check her kitchen taps.

Police believe a second offender let himself into the house and went upstairs to raid her bedroom while she was occupied. They stole £91.

And the duo used the same scam to get into the home of an 86-year-old woman on Salisbury Road, Lancaster, at 3.30pm that day. They made off with £200 cash.

The first offender is described as white, aged 35 to 40, medium build, with short hair and a local accent. His partner was white, aged 45, and slimmer and taller.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lancaster Police on 01524-63333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.