A DETECTIVE has condemned as "callous'' a thief who lied to his victim about running over her cat, in order to steal her handbag.

The theft comes only nine days after another crook, holding an injured squirrel in his hand, bluffed his way into old woman's house, playing on her sympathy.

Both offences took place at different addresses in Hartlepool.

The thief with the squirrel asked to use his victim's telephone to call the RSPCA, but fled with her purse containing £240, leaving her with the squirrel.

In the latest theft, a man called at another address in Hartlepool to claim he had run over the elderly resident's cat. While his upset victim was checking the whereabouts of her pet, her caller stole her bag.

The bag contained £30, bank cards, personal items and passes.

Detective Sergeant Chris Stephenson said: "These thieves are demonstrating a particularly callous approach. Not only are they using injured animals, but they are also targeting vulnerable elderly people and taking advantage of their kind nature.''

The thefts on April 14 and April 22 are not being linked.