POLICE have urged pensioners to be on their guard following reports of bogus water company workers preying on the elderly.

A pensioner living at The Cotswolds, Chilton, had £200 cash stolen from a bedroom on Saturday afternoon when a man called, claiming he was repairing a faulty tap.

Earlier, a man had gained access to an address at Princess Court, Spennymoor after telling the householder he was there to test the water system.

Police said cupboards were opened and searched, but nothing was stolen.

They believe that two men are involved in the con, with one searching the house while the other distracts the occupant.