THIEVES tricked an elderly couple into letting them into their home and escaped with £350 in cash.

The pensioners, a man in his eighties and his 76-year-old partner, let one of the man into their bungalow, in West Auckland, at 5pm on Monday after he asked to check water pipes. They allowed him into their kitchen and bedroom.

After a second man was disturbed in the bedroom, they both escaped with the money.

Both men were about 25- years-old, white and 5ft 6in. One was stockily built, with dark, short, hair combed back. He wore dark trousers, a dark waist-length jacket and white trainers.

The second was thin and was dressed in a zipped hooded jacket, dark trousers and white trainers.

Police said neighbours in Windermere Drive had reported seeing a light Transit-sized van driving off from the area at speed around the same time as the theft.

Detective Constable Andrea Wood, of Bishop Auckland CID, urged anyone with information to come forward

She said "The victims were understandably upset by what happened. We would like to hear from anybody who saw the men or the van.

"And we need to make people aware that this type of offence is still going on.

"They need to be extra vigilant and check the credentials of anyone who calls at their home. If they are still not sure they can call police. If the callers are genuine, they will not mind."

Contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.