A LOCAL authority has issued a warning following the theft of a social worker's business cards.

About 20 business cards belonging to mental health social worker, Tom Brooks, were stolen last week from his office in central Middlesbrough.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Borough Council's social services said: "There is a concern that whoever has taken the cards may try to pass themselves off as this social worker, so we would ask any residents to be careful if approached by someone using these cards.

"They can very easily check by asking to see the photograph on the social worker's identity badge and if they are still concerned, by ringing our offices on (01642) 815076.

"Anyone who receives an unannounced visit should be particularly careful not to allow the person in or give them information.