A MAN aged 91 was robbed of cash by a con artist, who tricked her way into his York home.

The pensioner, from Huntington, was targeted by the woman posing as his carer.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "She was in uniform and must have seemed quite convincing to the elderly gentleman. After she had left, the victim noticed a small amount of cash had been stolen."

The pensioner, who lives in the Strensall Road area, was not hurt in the incident, which happened on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the police on 01904 631321.

Meanwhile, Sgt Ventress has urged York residents to make sure their doors and windows are kept secure after burglars raided three homes.

In two of the raids the thieves got in through an unlocked front door. In the third, an open window was used.

Handbags and a jacket containing personal property were stolen during burglaries in Dringhouses and Huntington.

In the third raid, a University of York student lost an acoustic guitar worth £100 and a bass guitar worth £250 when a thief climbed in through an insecure window.

Sgt Ventress said: "These sort of incidents could be avoided if people take care to make sure their homes are properly secure, especially when they have gone to bed.

"Check all doors and windows to make sure none have been left open or unlocked and try not to leave car or house keys, or other valuables, on tables near to your front door."

For free crime prevention advice, or to offer information on any of the burglaries, ring the police or Safer York Partnership on 01904 669069.

Updated: 09:40 Saturday, April 24, 2004