ELDERLY people are being targeted by two women thieves who are believed to have struck at least three times in a week.

Officers have warned pensioners to be on their guard and not to let anyone into their homes after three separate incidents in the Oakenhurst Road area of Blackburn.

Two of the incidents occurred at the same address in Oakenhurst Road when a 77-year-old woman was conned.

Det Con Keith Rimmer, of Blackburn CID, said: "We are almost certain there are two women involved who are working together, specifically targeting single, elderly people and talking their way into their homes."

The first incident occurred last Tuesday at 7.30pm when a teenager conned her way into the house in Oakenhurst Road, saying she was cold and wanted to come inside for a few minutes to warm up.

The victim made her a drink and while inside she stole a small quantity of property and left.

Then on Friday a woman pretending to be a home care worker managed to get into the same house where she stole a quantity of cash and a purse.

"We believe the first girl went into the house to weigh it up for the older one," said DC Rimmer,

A third burglary took place at Hornby Court sheltered accommodation, in Lancaster Drive, last Wednesday when a 68-year-old let the older woman into her house.

DC Rimmer added: "She managed to buzz herself into the sheltered accommodation saying she was coming to visit a Mrs Robinson.

"We would ask elderly people not to let anyone they don't know into their house. These are just strangers off the street who are not attempting to show any identification."

The teenager was white, 15 years old, with short, straight black hair, slim, 5ft, with pierced ears and wearing a grey short jacket.

Her accomplice was also white, 20 to 25 years, 5ft 6ins, slim, with long, straight, black hair, with decaying front teeth and possibly some teeth missing.

Residents in nearby houses and flats have stepped up their security measures and every resident at Hornby Court has been given new door keys.

One of those, a 73-year-old woman who did not want to be named, said: "No-one really knows how this girl got in but she said she was looking for her grandma. She had a good look around and spoke to a few people before she left.

"We've all been given new keys and the locks have been changed in case she picked up some keys. We've also been warned again not to let anyone in we don't know. Sometimes they are genuine callers but it's better to be safe than sorry."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 01254 51212 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.