A NOTORIOUS crook, dubbed 'The Watchman' by police, may have struck in Bacup, officers have revealed.

The most recent offences happened on Tuesday in the Todmorden Road area when the offender made off with £300 cash from one address.

The man has targeted vulnerable pensioners across the county and police believe he may have been committing offences since 1997.

He finds out people's names from neighbours in attempt to gain their trust before posing as an antiques dealer.

Under the pretence of owning an antiques business, he offers to sell his victims watches or clocks or asks if they have anything to sell or for repair.

Once inside the house he says he needs change for a £10 or £20 note and looks to see where they keep their money.

Within minutes the thief, who sometimes calls himself Alan, uses a method of distraction burglary and makes off with the victim's purse or wallet.

Officers know the offender has struck in the Chorley, Preston, Darwen, Accrington, Blackpool and the Wyre areas.

The "Watchman" is described as: white, 40 to 60 years and between 5ft8ins and 6ft. He speaks with a Lancashire accent and has a friendly manner.

He is of stocky build with a round face and ruddy or tanned complexion. In earlier cases he was described as having brown hair but it is now thought to be grey or light coloured.

At the time of the offences he was wearing a blue checked shirt and dark blue trousers and had a tan coloured leather money pouch. His hair was collar length and he had stubble and what appeared to be tattoos on his hands.

Anyone with information is asked to call Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.