THIEVES are posing as council tax valuation officers to trick their way into people's homes.

A pensioner from Radcliffe was robbed by the smartly-dressed pair, and others have made complaints. Police are warning residents to double check every caller's ID.

The 70-year-old woman, who does not want to be named, said: "Earlier this year, I got a letter from the Valuation Office asking me to complete a form for the revaluation of my council tax band. I called the council to confirm that the letter was genuine and they confirmed that it was. When these two men came to my door and I saw their passes, I assumed they were genuine."

The pensioner became suspicious when she heard the men opening and closing drawers, and she frightened them off by brandishing a brass ornament. The thieves, who wore fake ID, stole £100 and two Christmas presents. "I hope the police catch these terrible people and punish them. I had left the money out to repay my son who helped me when I was recovering from my injury. If they had chosen another victim it could have meant two weeks' rent or heating," said the victim.

The men are usually seen in pairs, but also operate separately. One is described as white, aged 40 and 5ft 10ins tall while the other is Asian, mid-20s, 5ft 6ins tall and wore an ID badge labelled Mohammed Bakhir.

A Bury Council spokesman said: "The council and the valuation office make every effort to arrange appointments with householders in advance, and confirm these by letter. All our staff carry identity cards which incorporate a photograph. If you are at all concerned about the identity of the officer, ask them to wait outside while you validate their presence with our office."

Bury police added: "We urge residents to take this matter very seriously. Further incidents have been reported with offenders using a variety of plausible stories to try to gain entry to people's homes, especially the elderly. Our advice is always to put the door chain on before opening the door to check identification and if in doubt keep them out."

The number for the Valuation Office is in the phone book under Valuation Office and on the Where to Find Us page on the VOA website at www.voa.gov.uk

The council tax office in Bury is on 253 5095.