TRAFFORD residents are being warned to watch out for bogus callers after a number of recent incidents.

Trafford crime reduction advisor, Pc Tony Crompton, said: "Trading standards have contacted me regarding a spate of bogus builders, distraction burglars and doorstep salesmen.

"In each incident, individuals or teams of smart but casually dressed men have cold called at the addresses of the victims spinning yarns on various themes including needing to check the water mains.

"Whilst accepting that many older members of the community are historically happy to do business on the doorstep, there are some simple measures that can be taken when a cold caller arrives on your doorstep."

Trafford police have released details of two cases when the victims, who were elderly woman, were burgled after they were told that their radiators needed draining. Both incidents happened on March 22.

*In the first a man - who was white, about 5ft 9in and in his early 30s - called at the house of a 75-year-old on Moss Vale Road, in Urmston, just after 1pm.

The pensioner let the man into her house and after running some water in the bathroom and kitchen, it is believed he went into the victim's bedroom and stole a quantity of money while she was sitting in the front room.

The woman who is partially sighted and has cancer was left extremely shaken by the incident.

The offender was of slim build, with short light coloured hair and was clean-shaven. He was wearing a quilted dark green jacket and khaki coloured trousers.

*The second incident happened at a 78-year-old's flat on York Avenue, in Sale, just after 2pm.

The offender - who was white and about 5ft 10in tall, with short mousey hair - asked her to hold something so he could drain the radiators.

While the victim was in the bathroom, it is believed the offender went into her bedroom and stole a quantity of money before leaving the flat. The man was wearing blue jeans and a jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Trafford police on 0161 856 0950 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Pc Crompton's top tips for beating the doorstep criminal are: *Never open your door without first putting your door chain on.

*If you do not have a chain, check who it is via a window and if you are not happy tell them to go away.

*Before beginning a conversation with a caller ask them to pass you their identity card.

*Anyone not able to show you ID that you are happy with should be told no thank you' and the door closed