POLICE in Bishop Auckland have repeated their warning to elderly people to be on their guard against bogus utility officials after a spate of distraction burglaries in the town.

The latest incident happened at about 4.30pm on Monday when £500 was stolen from the home of an 88-year-old man.

Detectives believe the same people are also responsible for three similar offences on Friday.

In the most recently reported incident the bogus official called at a house in Grange Avenue, Auckland Park. When he was invited in, he left the front door open behind him.

He followed the occupant into the kitchen, where they were joined by the man's pet dog. The caller then closed the kitchen door on the pretext of keeping the dog safe.

After about 15 minutes the pensioner heard a man shouting: "Paddy, there is an emergency down the street." They then ran off together towards South Church.

PC Andrea Hoggarth, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "We would urge householders, and the elderly in particular, to insist on being shown identification before allowing anyone they don't know into their homes.

"If people have doubts and concerns we would prefer they called us, even if their fears prove unfounded."

The man referred to as Paddy is described as about 23 years old, 5ft 10in, of medium build, clean shaven, with short, dark hair. He spoke with a broad Irish accent and wore a beige, zipped anorak and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bishop Auckland police, on (01388) 603566, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.