TWO vulnerable women in their 80s have been targeted by conmen in separate incidents in Blackburn.

Police are not linking the individual offences because of different circumstances and locations, but have pledged to catch those responsible.

In the first attempted distraction burglary, an 80-year-old woman heard a noise at her rear bedroom window at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 28.

The woman, who lives in Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill, challenged two men who claimed to be undercover policemen and told her that someone had been trying to break in.

Police say the men were not officers and were making an attempted raid.

They ran off after being disturbed.

One of the men is described as white, in his 20s, wearing all black clothes including a black bob hat, black stripy pants and black gloves.

On Sunday, November 1, between 10.15am and 11am, a bogus plumber knocked on the door of an 89-year-old woman in Whinney Lane, Lammack.

His story was that he had been doing work in the street and wanted £100 to fix the lady’s waterlogged drain and her neighbour’s too.

He made his way into the house and managed to distract the elderly lady, stealing her purse with £200 in it.

Inspector Kevin Evans said the varied modus operandi made it unlikely to be the same offender.

He revealed that a target team dedicated to distraction burglaries was stepping up inquiries.

Insp Evans said: “The people have clearly targeted elderly people.

“I would ask for the community to be generally vigilant with regards to people going door to door.

“If people have got elderly neighbours or relatives, please keep an eye out for them and ensure if they’ve got chains on their doors, then they use them.

“Do not allow strangers into the house whatsoever. If people have concerns, close the door and phone the police.

“Similarly, during the dark evenings, keep curtains shut if you’re out of the house and leave a light on.”

Contact 0845 1 253545 with any information or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.