POLICE are urging elderly residents to be vigilant following a distraction burglary.

Cash was stolen from an 82-year-old woman's house on Hilltop Drive, Kirkholt, by two men who told her they were from the water board.

They knocked at the house at about 1.30pm on Monday 19 May, and told the victim that they needed to check the water.

While one offender went into the kitchen with the victim, the second man went upstairs and stole money from the bedroom.

The first offender is described as white, aged 18 years, 5ft 4in tall of very thin build. He had short black hair, was clean-shaven and was wearing a bright blue jacket and black jeans.

The second offender is described as white, aged 30 years of stocky build. Both men had local accents.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 8753 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Some important safety tips:

• When a stranger knocks on your door, keep it latched at all times. If you do not have a latch ask them to push their id card through the letterbox. 
• Do not let anyone into your house without verifying their id. Check the name of the company in the phone book, and call the company before letting them in to make sure they are genuine. 
• If you have any concerns at all do not let the person in. 
• Ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour is there. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again. 
• Finally, look out for your neighbours, and report any suspicious activity to police.