Members of the public are being urged to be wary of potential distraction burglars following an incident in Kirkby Stephen.

The warning comes after a woman in her nineties was approached by a man claiming to have been asked to carry out work on her home.

The man said that he had agreed to complete work on her roof after agreeing it with her son and asked her for payment.

Although she refused, he then followed her into her house and on two further occasions asked her for money before leaving empty handed.

The incident happened between 2.15pm and 2.30pm yesterday (April 13) and Cumbria police are currently conducting enquiries to identify the offender.

Sergeant Laura Milburn said: "Distraction burglars prey on the most vulnerable people in society. They use high-pressured techniques to gain entry to homes and demand money for a product or service. Whilst in the house they may also steal possessions and money that they can find.

"We do want to stress that not all cold callers are criminals. Those who are there for legitimate purposes will be willing to show you identification, provide you with contact details of their business and should not pressurise you into trying to get into your home.

"Our aim is to help protect vulnerable members of our communities and ensure that they have the confidence to say no and shut the door. I’d also ask that members of the public look out for vulnerable members of the community and report any suspicious activity. 

"Following this Police can then be deployed to the area where the salesmen’s identities and authenticities can be verified."

Anyone who wishes to make a complaint about a trader or report illegal doorstep activities should contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06, or call the Police on 101.

Anyone with information into the attempted distraction burglary is asked to contact police on 101.