A BOGUS water company official kept a pensioner talking while an accomplice stole cash from her house.

The 80-year-old woman answered her door to the thief at 7pm on Friday.

His accomplice stole about £50 in cash.

Detectives in Crook say the incident, on the town's Low Mown Meadows estate, is the latest in a string of similar attacks.

They warned people, particularly the elderly and those living in sheltered accommodation to be wary of strangers calling.

People should always ask for proof of identity, and if unsure, check with police or the company the caller claims to represent before letting them in. It is advisable to use a door chain.

Anyone with information about bogus callers should contact police on (01388) 762011.