A FORMER Darlington town mayor, who was burgled by a bogus caller, has repeated her warning for residents to remain vigilant.

Councillor Eleanor Lister was burgled at home by a cold caller on Wednesday, and her handbag and mobile phone were taken.

She has since learned that other callers are operating in the area of her home in Larchfield Street, Darlington.

Coun Lister, whose term of office as mayor ended last month, said a woman who lives in the street had contacted her since the burglary.

The woman told her she had bought a bed for £200 from someone who had knocked on her door. The bed was broken.

Coun Lister said: "She has been ripped off, really. People should be told about these sorts of things.

"The woman needed a new bed and this was easy to buy."

The burglary at Coun Lister's house happened when a man said he was working in a lane behind the homes.

He asked her if he could check her taps and water meter.

She realised later that her handbag and phone had been stolen.