FLOOD-HIT Ryedale residents have been warned to be on their guard against callous conmen trying to cash in on the region's misfortune.

The callers usually operate in pairs, and visit homes when the owners are trying to clear up the wreckage from the flooding. They say they represent one of the utilities, such as gas or water, and are checking on flood damage.

But when the householder's attention is distracted, the caller's accomplice looks for cash or valuables to steal.

While there have been no flood related rip-offs reported in the Ryedale region yet, there have been in York, and police are concerned the conmen may target this area next.

Malton-based Sergeant Paul Warner said: "As always, we are advising people to be on their guard and as vigilant as possible at all times. Do not let anybody into your house unless they can show satisfactory identification, and use a door chain if you have one.

"Any bona fide caller will be carrying the necessary identification and will have no problem with showing it. If you are in any doubt, call the police."

In one case a man called at a house in Brandsby Grove, Huntington, York, and said he was checking the water. Cash was stolen from a bedroom.

And a man went to a flat in Regent Street, off Lawrence Street, York, again checked the water supply, and cash was stolen from a bedroom.

Police believed those incidents were linked and the caller had an accomplice who searched the home while he distracted the occupier.

The caller in both cases was described as in his 20s, well-spoken, and about 5ft 4in or 5ft 5in tall.

Three men, also claiming to be water officials, called at a home in Ganton Place, off Chaloners Road, York. The householder refused to let them in, but one pushed past her and went upstairs.

But though the other two tried to keep her talking the householder stood her ground and ordered them to leave.

One of them was described as a white male, aged 18 to 19, of thin build and wearing a long black jumper.

reporters@ycp.malton.fsnet.co.uk