AN elderly woman has been targeted by a bogus caller as police say criminals are taking advantage of the bad weather.

Claiming to be an official from the water board or council, thieves say water pipes have frozen or burst to gain entry to elderly people’s homes.

The 87-year-old woman, from Crook, County Durham, opened her door to three “council” men at 10am on Wednesday, who said they needed to check the water supply.

Once inside her home, the men, all dressed in black, took cash from a shopping bag and searched upstairs.

It is not yet clear if this incident is linked to 17 similar offences which have taken place since Monday, January 4 between Blyth, in Northumberland and Hartlepool.

They say the cold snap made it easier for them to prey on elderly victims in Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields, Hartlepool and County Durham.

Last year, Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria police forces and companies, including Northumbrian Water, launched Operation Strongbow, to persuade the elderly not to let strangers in their homes.

Inspector Ingrid Wolfe, of Operation Bombay, also aimed at distraction burglars, said: “We would like to remind communities across the region, especially the elderly and vulnerable, of the importance of keeping their door chain on at all times, and only allowing people in when they are entirely convinced that they are who they say they are.

“These criminals are very persuasive and plausible and we are calling upon residents, their families and carers to be aware of these callers and to take precautions against them.

“We are particularly concerned that they may use this current period of cold weather as an excuse to trick their way into homes.

“Any householder who is approached in this way and has any doubts whatsoever about the person who has called should call the company they are claiming to represent and the police.”

Northumbrian Water said the company does not check for frozen pipes unless customers request an appointment. People can register a password with the company by ringing 0845-717-1100 or by visiting nwl.co.uk Police also advise people to lock their doors, even during the day, to always use the door chain, to ask for – and check closely – identity and refuse entry if the caller can not provide any. They also urge people not to use tradesmen who cold call, offering cheap home repairs.

■ The Northern Echo is campaigning for stronger legislation to end door-to-door cold-calling.

The DoorStoppers Campaign, launched in 2003, is pressing for legislation to make it a criminal offence for callers to turn up at a house unannounced.