POLICE have renewed their warning to North-East pensioners to beware of bogus callers following a spate of thefts.

Callous thieves, who claim to be from the Water Board, have preyed on a number of elderly people in Hartlepool.

Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, head of Hartlepool CID, said: "Not all burglars will go to the trouble of breaking in, they don't have to if they can just knock and be invited in by an unsuspecting householder.

"Bogus callers may say that they need to come in to check something, or make urgent repairs when they are really going to steal valuables or money. They usually work in pairs, and while one person distracts the homeowner on the pretext of checking the water supply or reading the meter, the other will be searching the property looking for things to steal.

"If anyone uninvited calls, check to see if they have proof of identity."

The uninvited callers have asked to see the homeowners pension books, in what is thought to be an effort to find out where they keep their money and valuables.

In all the cases, once the strangers have left, money and property has been stolen.

Police are warning homeowners to be on their guard as genuine callers will normally make an appointment before calling and carry identification, which includes their photograph. Neither would there be any need to see anyone's pension book.