Police have warned people to beware of burglars posing as water company officials.

Two bogus officials tricked their way into a house in Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, after telling the occupant they needed access inside and searched the upstairs of the property before leaving.

Police and Yorkshire Water issued warnings after a similar burglary in Menston in March in which a man stole property from the house.

Yorkshire Water advises residents to fasten their door chain before opening the door to any callers, ask to see the caller's identity card and ask why they are calling.

Residents can verify the identity cards of genuine water board officials - without letting the caller into the house - by phoning Yorkshire Water on 08451 242424.

Contractors working for the company also carry identity cards which can be checked with Yorkshire Water by telephone.

Anyone who saw the Ilkley conmen, who struck between 11.45am and noon on Wednesday, or has been approached by a suspicious caller, should contact Keighley police on (01535) 617059.