POLICE are warning elderly people across Darlington to be on their guard after a spate of bogus caller incidents.

Two pensioners in Darlington fell victim to thieves this week after bogus officials called at their homes.

A man and a woman, with blond hair, called at the home of a 91-year-old woman in Mallard Road yesterday, at about 11.45am.

They asked if they could come in and have a cup of tea and when the elderly lady left the room they stole £100 from her handbag.

After stealing the money, the couple made off in the direction of Lingfield Green.

At about 6pm on Monday, two men posing as water board officials called at a house in Geneva Drive, where they requested entry to turn off the water.

They were refused entry and the occupant told police she was distressed by their abrupt manner.

About 40 minutes later, three young men called at a house in Parkland Drive, again posing as officials.

They were invited in by the pensioner and while one of the men disrtacted her, the other searched the house and stole a handbag.

Inspector Mick Young, of Darlington Police advised people to keep their doors locked and check the identity of callers. He said: "If you are not sure of who the caller is, don't let them in and if you are worried call the police or a friend."