POLICE are advising residents to be on their guard following a distraction burglary.

At about 2.50pm on Thursday two men called at the home of an elderly woman in Dacre, near Harrogate.

One of the men claimed he had called to give her a quote for double glazing and took the woman outside to look around the exterior of the house. As he kept her talking, his accomplice entered the house and searched a downstairs bedroom, stealing her handbag and purse. Both men then left the property in a blue or white van with ladders on the top. The man who spoke to the woman is described as white, thin, aged between 20 and 30, around 5ft 10ins with dirty, blond unkempt hair. He was wearing a beige beanie-style hat, jeans and a jumper.

Sergeant Phil Coward, of Harrogate CID, said: “This is a despicable crime targeting a vulnerable, elderly woman.

“If anyone recognises the description of the man or the van, or if you believe they may have called at your property, please contact us. “ Anyone with any information should phone Harrogate CID on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.