Detectives in Bury are hunting a man responsible for two bogus burglaries.

At noon on Friday, on Beech Close, Prestwich, a man aged between 25-35 knocked on an elderly man’s door, claiming he needed to inspect the radiator pressure.

The offender then proceeded to check all the rooms in the house before leaving. It was later discovered the homeowner’s wallet was missing.

The man is described as white, of medium build, cleanly shaven with fair hair and around 5ft 10ins tall, wearing a white shirt with blue stripes and dark blue trousers.

An hour later that day, the offender is believed to have used the same ploy to get into an elderly woman’s home on Derwent Avenue in Whitefield. After he left the house, the woman noticed her purse was missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Emily Higham of Bury CID said: “It is clear the offender targets vulnerable, elderly residents and gains entry to houses by claiming he needs to check household utilities.

“Any legitimate workman will be more than happy to show valid identification. I would urge all vulnerable homeowners to be on their guard.

“We are also appealing for anyone with information on the incidents to come forward.”

Anyone with information should call Bury CID on 0161 856 4647 or the Volume Crime team on 0161 856 9899, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.