AN "unusually high" number of reports of bogus officials have led police to issue a warning to pensioners in the region.

Durham Constabulary have received more than 30 reports already this year, including about 15 in one day, by two men claiming to be council officials fitting doors and windows.

Money was taken from two of the Durham City homes when they called on Thursday.

On Tuesday this week, two men called at an elderly woman's house in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, saying they were from the water board.

When the victim became suspicious and called the police, she was held down in her chair by one man while an accomplice searched the home for cash and valuables.

In Ferryhill, homes were targeted in neighbouring streets on Wednesday and Thursday.

In Wednesday's attack, a man claiming to be from the electric board tried to get into a house in Church Lane at 11.30am, but left empty-handed when challenged.

On Thursday, bogus council officials tricked their way into a 78-year-old woman's home in Wood Lane, at 10.50am claiming they needed to check her doors and windows.

However, when the woman found one of the men in a bedroom, with her purse in his hand, she told them to leave and they fled empty-handed.

Detectives in Tyne and Wear are also hunting two men posing as council workers responsible for conning elderly people out of cash.

The men target council homes and ask for money to carry out repair work. Once they receive the money, they flee.

Northumbria Police say the conmen are operating throughout the force area, stretching from the Scottish Borders to the boundaries with County Durham and Cumbria.

One is described as in his 20s, with short swept-back wavy dark hair and a soft Irish accent.

His accomplice is in his 50s, with grey hair and a local accent.

Detective Superintendent Dave Jones, of Durham Constabulary, said the figures were unusually high.

He said: "The callers are often very plausible and friendly but are, in reality, absolutely heartless. While one man distracts the householder's attention, there is often another who gets into the house to steal property."

Det Supt Jones said many victims did not realise what had happened until some time later.

"The message from police is simple: demand identification and, if in doubt, lock them out," he said