CALLOUS distraction burglars are plaguing Halton's elderly pretending to be from the council and the water board.

Police are urging people to be extra cautious when opening the door to strangers after two elderly next door neighbours were targeted by crooks last Wednesday.

Two men, falsely claiming to be from Halton Council, tricked their way into a house in Lavender Close, Grangeway, at around 1.50pm. They stole a woman's handbag and escaped only to try a similar thing next door. The pair are described as being in their 30s or 40s and were wearing T-shirts and shorts.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said residents should exercise the 'look, stop, chain and check' method when strangers call at their doors.

They said: "See if you know who it is and if you don't, ask yourself if you are expecting someone. Keep your door chain on when opening the door and ask to see their ID before letting them in. Check with the company they say they are working for and ask them to wait outside while you do. If they are genuine, they shouldn't mind."

A common distraction burglary trick is for crooks to say they are from the water board, gas or electricity company to play on people's insecurities that there may be a problem like a leak. Another is to say that their dog has escaped into the person's back garden.

A Halton Council spokesman said council employees would never turn up unannounced at a resident's house and would always be happy to provide ID. If you are in any doubt about a cold caller, keep your door locked and call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.