POLICE are warning elderly people and their neighbours to be on their guard after a number of bogus caller thefts.

Three incidents of men gaining access to properties by claiming to be water company officials in the Bishop Auckland and Tow Law areas on Monday were reported to police.

Cash was been stolen and police believe the people responsible are working as a team.

The men were smartly dressed, wearing collar and ties. However, they also wore flat caps.

They also appeared to have access to a fairly new model vehicle, possibly a Mercedes, which was a dark colour.

Police would like to hear from witnesses or anybody else who has suffered a similar theft recently, and have also urged residents not to let anybody into their homes without identification.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Trodden on 0845-60-60-365.