OLDER people in North Yorkshire have been warned to be extremely vigilant, after conmen made them targets while they were out shopping - and in their own homes.

North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning to the elderly not to allow strangers into their houses, to use door chains, to check any caller's identity, and to keep their wallets safe.

The caution comes after a couple stole cash from pensioners shopping in supermarkets in Malton, Scarborough and Selby on Tuesday by distracting them.

PC Ian Fraser, of Malton Police, said a Ryedale woman in her 70s was targeted at 12.45pm in the town's Safeway store in Castlegate.

While she stopped to help a man who appeared to be Eastern European and pretended to speak little or no English, a female accomplice removed a brown leather purse from her handbag, which only contained £1.50 in mixed change.

"It would appear that elderly shoppers are being targeted. People are warned not to leave their purse or wallet unattended or out of their view and to be wary of anyone who tries to distract them," said PC Fraser.

PC Fraser said the man was possibly Turkish, age 40, 5ft 8in tall and of stocky build. He had short brown hair, and wore a dark blue sweater with red and blue stripes and blue jeans.

The woman was white European, 5ft 6in tall, medium build, with very long dark brown hair. She wore a white scarf round her neck, a long knitted cream cardigan and dark trousers.

It is believed that they were using a gold-coloured old Series 5 BMW.

A spokesman for Safeway said staff gave the victim and her husband a cup of tea and phoned the police. CCTV footage that clearly showed the offenders was handed to officers.

PC Fraser warned that conmen were also operating door-to-door. He said an 88-year-old woman from Main Street, Staxton, was conned out of £300 cash between 12.45pm and 12.55pm on Tuesday.

"A white male, age 50, of proportionate build told the elderly woman she had loose roof tiles. He had done work next door, and he could repair the roof for £120," said PC Fraser.

"She gave him the money, but in the confusion left her purse on the table. In total £300 was taken." The conman did not carry out any work.

Anyone with information about the above incidents should phone the Ryedale Witness Line on 01723 509622.

Updated: 09:48 Thursday, September 16, 2004