HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of thefts by bogus officials in the Stockton area.

Last week, a man and woman approached an elderly victim to ask for help in finding their cat in her garden.

As she went into her garden with one caller, the second entered the house and stole money.

Other scams used by the thieves include offers of hedge cutting, and earlier this week in Billingham, thieves were offering a gutter cleaning service.

In Thornaby, an elderly lady was approached in her home in Thorntree Road by two people claiming to be working on water pipes. She was told they needed to check her taps to prevent flooding and while one went to the bathroom with the lady, the other stole £100 from her purse.

On Wednesday, a bogus caller purporting to be a police officer called to a house in Windmill Terrace, Stockton, offering advice on security.

Sergeant Adrian Bradley of Stockton Police said: "Never let anyone into your home without checking they have a valid reason to be there, no matter how genuine their excuse may seem."