POLICE have warned elderly people to be on their guard after a conman stole cash from a couple.

The doorstep conman stole the money and a mobile phone after tricking his way into the couple's home in Harlesden Crescent, Deane.

He knocked on the door at 3pm on Tuesday, claiming to be from the water company.

The thief also told the couple he had stopped a man in the street who was carrying £100 in an envelope.

He told them the man had admitted stealing the money from their home -- a trick detectives say he used to try to find out where they kept their money.

He was let inside then stole the phone and £12.

The thief is described as white, aged 30, 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build with short dark hair. He was clean shaven and wore a dark top with a coloured pattern on the sleeves.

A police spokesman said: "We would urge all elderly people to be on the alert and take sensible precautions before allowing anyone into their homes."

Anyone with information should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting Crime reference number 327759G/02.