ELDERLY people have been targeted by conmen offering to buy gold - then attempting to burgle their homes.

Fake salespeople are gaining access to properties by offering to buy or sell jewellery or gold.

Cleveland Police said several people in Middlesbrough had been targeted, including a woman in Acklam today (Wednesday).

The pensioner, in Medina Gardens, was visited by two men at different times, carrying briefcases and trying to sell gold.

Last week, on Highfield Road in Eston, Middlesbrough, police said jewellery was stolen after a man entered an elderly person's home, pretending to sell jewellery, and carrying a briefcase.

A police statement on Facebook said: "Under pretence of buying gold or other items of value, they pressure vulnerable and elderly residents at the doorstep to allow them admission.

"Once inside the victim is conned, forced or burgled by distraction.

"The offenders seem to utilise a briefcase to add to the scam and secrete the stolen items out of the address. Please be are of this type of offence... and consider how you can protect your more vulnerable friends and family to avoid them becoming a victim."