ELDERLY residents are being told to be wary after burglars targeted a pensioner after pretending to offer to do tree work for her.

The thieves struck at Turker Lane, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, when two male teenagers tried to burgle an 81-year-old.

One of the youths knocked on the women’s back door at 9.50am on Saturday, February 5 and asked if she wanted any work done on her trees.

She declined but upon going inside saw her front door ajar and the other youth in her ground floor bedroom.

The youth fled when she shouted at him and ran off towards Brompton. Nothing was stolen in the raid.

The first youth was white, aged between 15-17, about 5ft tall, with short dark hair and with a slim build.

He had a local accent and was wearing a thin dark-coloured jacket and dark trousers The youth who entered the house was white, aged in his late teens, about 5ft 5in tall, with short dark hair, a slim build and a thin face.

He was also wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

DC Sarah Jobe, of Northallerton CID, said: "Distraction burglary is a truly sickening crime as it tends to target elderly and vulnerable members of the community.

"It is important residents keep their properties secure at all times by locking doors and windows, even when at home.

"The crucial advice is simply not to allow cold callers into your home unless they have a pre-arranged reason to be there and clear identification."

If anyone can help the investigation contact DC Sarah Jobe, at Northallerton CID, on 0845-6060-247 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.