POLICE are warning elderly people in Teesdale to be vigilant after two bogus officials stole hundreds of pounds worth of cash and jewellery from two pensioners.

The warning came after the men tricked an elderly man and woman, who live in the Green Lane area of Barnard Castle, into allowing them to enter their homes.

The two men called at the home of a 78-year-old woman at 4.45pm on Wednesday, claiming they were water company officials and that they needed to check the water supply.

While one of the thieves kept the woman talking, his accomplice searched her home, stealing £200 from her handbag, £90 from her bedroom and items of jewellery, including two gold watches.

The pair then made their excuses and left.

They visited a 70-year-old man living nearby and repeated the trick, this time stealing £280.

One of the men was described as 5ft 7in, in his early 20s, of slim build, with a pale complexion and short, dark hair. He was wearing a waist-length black jacket, black trousers and navy blue woollen gloves.

The other was described as 5ft 9in, thick-built and in his 40s or 50s. He had short, dark hair, greying slightly, and wore a dark jacket.

A spokesman for Northumbrian Water said: "It is very unlikely for a Northumbrian Water official to ask for access to a customer's home without contacting them to make a prior arrangement.We would urge customers to check identification."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Detective Constable Justin Thornberry on (01833) 637328