ELDERLY residents have been warned to watch out for a woman who has conned her way into homes and stolen cash.

Detectives say a woman in her 30s has struck four times in the past week at a homes in the North Ormesby area of Middlesbrough.

She claimed to know someone in the area and asked to be let in on the pretext of using the resident's telephone book.

Once inside, she stole money.

She has long, dark hair and is well presented and polite.

Anyone with informationcan call Detective Constable Denise Knox on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.