CHILDREN stole from two properties in Radcliffe while the victims were distracted by adults.

Police are urging residents to be on their guard against bogus callers, and to keep doors locked.

The first victim was a 54-year-old woman at Ebony Florists in Blackburn Street. A man with two boys came in just before 3pm on Tuesday (Oct 8) to ask about flowers. The youngsters stole a purse from an adjoining room.

He was a 5ft 4in white male, aged about 30, slim, with scruffy brown hair. He wore a navy top with red stripes and had a broad Lancashire accent. The boys were white, wearing T-shirts and tracksuit bottoms.

About 30 minutes later, a house in Dumers Lane was targeted, this time by two boys with a woman.

The youngsters entered through the front door and searched the house for valuables while their accomplice distracted the female occupant in the kitchen. The group then made off with cash.

The first boy, aged about eight, was white with short dark hair and wore a navy jumper and dark pants. His friend, aged about ten, was had short, dirty blond hair and wore a grey jumper with black pants.

The woman was in her early 30s, 5ft tall, with long, straggly dark hair. She wore a hip-length anorak and dark pants.

Anyone with information should call Bury police on 856 8150.