ANOTHER elderly Northwich resident has fallen victim to an attempted distraction burglary on their own property.

Around 1.45pm yesterday, a 79-year-old woman was targeted in Mere Lane, Cuddington, with police renewing calls to stay vigilant.

An unknown man knocked at the victim's house and told her that he needed to access the back garden to check the fence on behalf of the council.

The woman asked the man to meet her at the side of her home, saying she would open the gate and allow him into the garden.

She then closed the front door, but did not lock it.

The woman then allowed the man into her garden and he began to talk to her about the fencing, claiming that the council is planning to replace the panels.

As she was being distracted in the garden, a second unknown man entered her home via the front door and began to walk upstairs.

He was then confronted by the victim’s friend, a 75-year-old man, who was in the hallway.

The intruder then left the house empty handed and both of the offenders drove away from the scene in a white van which had ladders on the roof.

The man who claimed to be working for the council is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build and approximately 25-years-old.

He was wearing a black anorak and dark coloured trousers. He was also carrying a white clipboard.

The man who entered the property was also white, around 5ft 8ins tall and of larger build.

He was around 30-years-old, had dark hair and was wearing jeans and a light green or blue pullover.

The incident follows another attempted distraction burglary in the Northwich area, which occurred on Penrhyn Road, Winnington, last Wednesday, November 14.

A 90-year-old Winnington Lane man was also targeted by bogus callers earlier this month.

Det Con Richard Green said: “There have now been two attempted distraction burglaries over the past week and we are committed to doing all we can to trace the people responsible and bring them to justice.

“On both occasions the offenders were disturbed before they managed to steal anything.

“Enquiries in relation to these incidents are ongoing and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked or not.

“I urge anyone who recognises the descriptions of the men and thinks they may know their identities or has any information in relation to the incident, no matter how small, to contact the team here at Northwich.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be vigilant of anyone who comes to their door offering to carry out work and to urge people to report any suspicious activity to us immediately on 101.”

Anyone with information in relation to attempted distraction burglary in Cuddington should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 247533.

Information can also be reported online here or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.