POLICE have warned pensioners to be extra vigilant after a spate of distraction burglaries.
Officers put out the alert on Thursday after recording 15 such burglaries or reports of bogus callers across the county since April 1.
Constabulary spokesman Glyn Hellam said five of these were in the Western Area, which includes Ellesmere Port & Neston.
The latest case was on Ellesmere Port's Swale estate at 1.45pm on Wednesday, April 4.
Two conmen visited the home of an elderly woman and told her they were from the council.
They claimed to be fixing water pipes in a neighbouring house and needed some paper and a pen in order to leave them a note. She led one into her kitchen, then disturbed the second in her living room.
The men left her house in the direction of Wharfe Lane, heading towards Rossmore Road.
The main offender was white, tall and thin, clean shaven, about 40 years old, wearing a long-sleeved navy blue jacket and dark trousers.
His accomplice was white, 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build, with a round face, in a cream three-quarter-length coat.
Mr Hellam said elderly residents should remain vigilant, keep the chain on the door and ask for ID.
He added: 'Bogus callers can say they are from the water, gas or electric company, or even that they're looking for a dog in your garden. They tend to use the same methods.
'Always ask them to stay outside and ring the company to ask if they are working in your area. And if on further doubt, call the police.'
* If you recognise the men in the Swale Road offence, or believe you have been approached by bogus callers, contact Ellesmere Port police on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
