DETECTIVES in Crewe have praised two elderly women in the town for showing the right way to beat the menace of bogus callers.

Men claiming to be from a water company and dealing with burst pipes, called at the homes of the women in the centre of Crewe on Thursday afternoon last week.

At both houses they said they needed to come in to check the water supply.

But in both cases the women were suspicious and refused to let them in, and after a brief argument the men left.

Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, head of Cheshire Police's burglary unit for the eastern area, said: "These two ladies adopted exactly the right cautious attitude.

"We always advise people not to admit anyone into their homes unless they're absolutely sure who they are.

"Don't take a stranger's story at face value.

"Keep the chain on your door and always check identification cards, even if it means a telephone call to the organisation they claim to represent.

"Each of these women was determined not to let anyone in without being sure they were genuine and they stayed firm about it.

"If you refuse to let these criminals into your home they will usually go away without too much argument.

"In both these cases there were no water problems in the area and the men were intent on getting into houses to steal cash and anything they could carry away easily.

"The sensible attitude of the two women prevented this.

"This is a particularly nasty type of crime. These thieves target elderly people and if they are successful their actions cause a lot of distress."

The two incidents are believed to be the work of the same two men.

They are described as in their late 20s or early 30s, with olive complexions and were wearing blue shirts and ties.

Anyone with information should call the Cheshire Police Information line on 0845 4580000.