POLICE have issued a warning to elderly residents following a spate of sneak-in burglaries in Heaton.

Handbags were stolen from two women by raiders who went into their homes within two hours on Monday. Their doors were either open or unlocked.

A 90-year-old woman was targeted at her flat in Taunton Close at 11.45am. She walked out of a back door, leaving it open, then returned to find a man walking out of her bedroom with her handbag. He fled, leaving her shocked but unhurt. The thief is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall and wearing a long jacket.

An hour later, a 64-year-old woman was burgled at her flat in nearby St Margaret's Close. A thief walked through her unlocked front door and into her bedroom, stole her handbag and fled. She was in the house at the time, but was unhurt.

The man was wearing dark tracksuit trousers and a red and white striped top. Police say the burglaries may be linked.

Sgt Bill Crittenden, of Bolton police, said: "Doors should be kept locked at all times, even when people are in. These criminals are picking on vulnerable people and we are making a concerted effort to catch them."

Anyone with information should contact Bolton police on 0161 856 5663 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

, quoting Crime reference numbers 025110W/04 or 025162B/04.

"People should also always be aware of who they are letting into their homes. Call the police if you are in any doubt."