A BOGUS workman alert has been issued by police after two or three men tricked their way into the home of an elderly woman in Beckford this week.

The victim discovered later that her bedroom had been searched and bolts securing the front door had been undone.

The men, claiming to be checking the water supply, called at the house in Sweden Lane about 4pm on Tuesday. One was described as tall with dark hair and wearing a navy blue cardigan. The second had fair hair and was wearing a light-coloured coat. Both were thought to be in their 30s.

A third man was seen in the vicinity immediately after the incident but it is not known whether he was involved or not. Police have not yet ascertained whether anything was stolen in the incident.

Spokesman Richard Bull said: "In this instance the female victim did the right thing and refused to admit the callers to her house as they failed to show authentic identification. This did not prevent one or more of the men entering the premises.

"Her actions, however, serve as a valuable reminder to all householders not to admit unknown or unexpected callers to their homes without checking that callers are genuine and can properly prove their identity. If a householder has any doubts about callers - and the callers cannot clearly identify themselves with a bona fide card or other form of identification - they should refuse entry.

"They should then contact the company for whom the callers claim to be working or asked the caller to make an appointment to come back when someone known to the resident can be present.

"We urge friends, relatives and neighbours - especially of the elderly and vulnerable - to emphasise constantly how important it is to keep premises secure and not let anyone in unless they are totally sure of why their visitors are there," he added.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw two or three men acting suspiciously in the Beckford area - and especially Sweden Lane - around the time of the offence.