Thieves strike twice within minutes

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after doorstep thieves struck twice in Warrington – within a few minutes of each other.
Both victims were elderly women living in the Appleton area.
A man called at a house in Melrose Avenue and told the occupant he was from the water board and needed to see if her water was contaminated following a leakage in the area. He spent about 15 minutes in the house and, after he had left, the woman discovered cash had been stolen from the living room.
She described the man as about 30 with a thin face, clean shaven and with black hair and a hooked nose.
The other offence involved a man calling at a house in Bridge Lane where the occupant was expecting a call from a man to repair her central heating boiler. He spent about 15 minutes in the house and after he had left the woman discovered her bedroom had been ransacked and cash and jewellery stolen.
He was abut 30, of medium build and abouot 5ft 9 inches tall. He had short, light brown hair.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call DC Alex Reeves on 01244 615858 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
The offences were committed around 2pm on Monday (February 9)