A CALLOUS conman has swindled cash from more than 60 elderly victims in Blackburn and across the North West in a four-year crime spree.

Today, as police launched a major operation aimed at catching him, one of his Blackburn victims urged his family to turn him in, stating: "That man has ruined my life."

The OAP's heartfelt plea came as police released CCTV pictures of the man they believe is the bogus labourer responsible for swindling pots of cash, mainly from vulnerable old women.

Police believe the culprit has been fleecing cash out of pensioners for at least four years conning his way into elderly women's homes by pretending to be an odd-job man.

He is known to have struck in Blackburn and Preston may have also struck in South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Cheshire.

Police believe that, although 60 burglaries are being investigated in Lancashire, many more are likely to have occurred, with victims too embarrassed to come forward.

The 76-year-old victim, who did not want to be identified, said that she was now too scared to answer her front door.

She said: "I am making this appeal to help catch the man who has ruined my life. He has left me frightened to even answer my own door.

"To those people who are reading this appeal, I ask you to think what if it was a member of your family? This man came into my home and stole from me and I am appealing to anyone who knows this man to please come forward and speak to the police."

The police have not released details of when the woman was targeted or the amount taken but the detective leading the investigation in Blackburn said there is no doubt she and other victims have been "left traumatised" by the culprit's deceit.

Det Sgt Sam MacKenzie said: "The man responsible for committing these appalling crimes is stealing money from people by lying and deceiving them into thinking he can help out with odd jobs."

He added: "His victims are all elderly, vulnerable members of the community and have been left traumatised by his despicable actions. I appeal directly to the man in the CCTV image to come forward."

The suspect is described as a white, aged between 40 and 50, about 6ft tall.

He is of medium build, with short fair hair and wears a three-quarter length, navy blue or black, outdoor-style jacket and dark trousers.

And DS MacKenzie added: "I would like to reassure those people that the police take reports of such incidents very seriously and will investigate them in the most professional and sensitive manner.

"Anyone who is concerned about the identity of a person at their door should contact the police. If you are suspicious, don't let them in and if they are genuine callers, they won't mind you being extra cautious.

" I urge anyone with any information about this man to come forward to the police as soon as possible.""

Police are also reminding pensioners that detailed tips to avoid becoming a victim of distraction burglary is available online at www.lancashire.police.uk.

Blackburn Police can be contacted on 01254 353443 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.