Pensioners are being warned to keep a look out for bogus officials after a spate of incidents in the Bradford district.

The would-be thieves prey on the elderly, tricking their way into homes before attempting to make off with cash and other valuables.

The warning follows four separate incidents in Shipley, Birkenshaw, and Wyke within 48 hours - all involving men and women claiming to be from Yorkshire Water.

And it comes in a week when Government minister Kim Howells pledged to clamp down on doorstep con artists with new sales legislation.

PC Chris Rogers-Thomas, crime prevention officer at Eccleshill Police, said: "These bogus officials tend to target elderly people. It's important that the householder asks for identification and checks it.''

On Tuesday afternoon a 93-year-old woman from Birkenshaw was injured as she tried to stop a man and woman stealing her handbag.

The woman, who lives alone, suffered a cut to her hand during the tussle.

Earlier in the day an elderly man was tricked into letting a man and woman into his home in Windhill.

He handed over credit cards, bank books and a mobile phone after being pushed into a chair and threatened.

In Wyke, a 78-year-old woman had £90 stolen from her home on Tuesday morning by a man who said he was carrying out water pressure checks.

And an elderly man had cash stolen from his back pocket on Monday morning by a man also claiming to be a water official.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said all staff carried official identity cards. "Anyone in any doubt about the authenticity of the person at their door should not let them in."

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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