POLICE have warned pensioners not to let strangers into their homes, after an elderly woman was burgled yesterday.

The 86-year-old woman, who lives in Howden-le-Wear, allowed a woman who claimed to be selling household cleaning items into her home. When she left, the pensioner discovered that money had been stolen.

The bogus caller was in her mid-twenties, with fair hair. She wore a light, blue jacket and carried a bag of disinfectant.

A Crook police spokesman said salespeople should be kept at the door.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on (01388) 762011.