POLICE in Bishop Auckland are appealing for information after a bogus caller talked his way into a pensioner's house by saying he was from the "water board".

A man described as white, 5ft 8in, of medium build with short, mousey-brown hair called at a property in Leeholme Road, Coundon, at about 9.40am yesterday

He gained entry by telling 82-year-old woman householder that there was a burst pipe in the area and he needed to carry out some work in the kitchen.

At one stage he must have been left alone because, after he left the house, the victim discovered items in the bedroom wardrobes and drawers had been disturbed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Karl Hopps or Acting Detective Sergeant Joanne Wright, at Bishop Auckland CID, on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police also want to remind people, particularly older residents who can be vulnerable, to be on the guard with all unexpected callers.

Advice includes to keep doors locked at all times, use security chains while answering the door, ask to see an identification and contact the company concerned to check the caller is genuine.