POLICE have issued a warning after two incidents in Darlington in which people were targeted by thieves posing as water company officials.

The first incident happened in Lowson Street, in the North Road area of town, at lunchtime on Wednesday.

After the female occupant let the thief into the house, she led him into the kitchen where he kept her talking while two accomplices sneaked in and searched other rooms, before making off with a quantity of cash.

The caller was said to be in his 30s, about 6ft, with sandy coloured, short hair. He was wearing a white shirt and tie. He also spoke with a local accent.

The second incident happened in Lorraine Crescent, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Peter Hutchinson, of Darlington police, said: "On this occasion, it was a man saying he needed to check the water.

"He was shown into the house where he turned on taps and fiddled around under the sink."

However, at some stage of his visit, the man stole money from the woman's handbag.

This caller was aged 40 to 50, about 5ft 10in, with short, dark hair, clean-shaven and with a local accent.

Det Sgt Hutchinson said people should not let anyone into their homes without seeing proper authorisation and, if they were in doubt, they should contact police.

Anyone who has any information about the thefts is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.