Detectives have appealed for older people to be vigilant after two pensioners had cash stolen from their homes in two separate incidents in North Belfast on Monday.

In the first incident a woman called at the home of a man in his 80’s in the Fortwilliam Parade area at around 1pm and claimed to be from the Social Services. She left the snib off the door and kept the man occupied while at least one other person entered the house and ransacked a bedroom, stealing a purse containing a sum of cash.

The woman is described as being between 25 and 30-years-old and is said to have been wearing a grey cardigan.

In the second incident a woman, who also claimed to be from the Social Services, called at the house of a woman in her 80’s in the Parkmount Street area at around 2pm.

Again the pensioner was kept occupied while at least one other person entered the house, ransacked the bedroom and stole a sum of cash.

The woman involved is described as being slim, around 5’4” in height with brown hair, which was tied back and had a fringe at the front. She is said to have leathery skin and wore a long blue shirt which had an ID badge on the left pocket. She also carried a black folder and did not speak with a Belfast accent.

Police are investigating the possibility that these two incidents are linked.

Anyone who has any information about either incident is urged to contact detectives in North Belfast on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)