PENSIONERS were the victims as two men struck at homes in the Carnforth area this week after gaining entry under false pretences.
It is believed the two incidents just 15 minutes apart on Monday afternoon are linked.
On the first occasion, a man called at a house in Grange View, Warton, at 4.45pm, claiming to be from the water board investigating a burst water mains.
He
gained access to an elderly couple's kitchen, and while they were occupied a second man went upstairs and stole £1,500 in cash.
The two men then left the house. The first is described as being 6ft, white, stocky build with broad shoulders, 40 to 50 years old, wearing a black beanie hait, jumper and trousers. He had an Irish accent and grey curly hair.
The second man was also white, 5ft 11ins tall, slim with black hair and black clothing.
The same men are then thought to have struck at 5pm in Ash Tree Grove, Bolton-le-Sands, where an elderly woman found a man in her kitchen after he had forced the front door of her house.
He said he was from the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, and while she was distracted he searched the house and made off with several thousands of pounds in cash.
The man is described as being white, about 6ft tall, slim and in his late 30s to early 40s. He wore a woolly hat and dark coloured coat.
Police believe the incidents could be linked with others in Cumbria, where several reports of offences involving two men of similar descriptions have been reported.
Sgt Helen Ellis of Cumbria police said: "We would like to remind the public always to check and ask for identification when people call at their door and want to gain access to their home. If in doubt do not let them into your house and contact the police."
