A CONMAN who posed as a water board official stole property after being allowed into a house in Menston.

Police are hunting the man who struck at a home on Park Road last Tuesday between 4 and 4.30pm. The man called at the house and claimed to be from the water board.

While inside the house he stole items from the living room and bedroom.

The burglar was described as white, ages 19 to 25, 5ft 3in to 5ft 4in tall, of a slight build, clean shaven with a pale complexion, short dark brown tidy'hair and rounded features.

When he called at the house in Menston, he was wearing a navy blue close-fitting short jacket, possibly a type of fleece, which was completely fastened up.

Anyone who saw the thief, or has been approached by a suspicious caller, is asked to call Keighley Police on (01535) 617059.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water is offering advice to residents about strangers calling on them claiming to be from the utility service.

The company advises people to put a chain on their door before opening it, ask to see the caller's identity card, and ask why they are visiting.

It says that if in doubt about a caller's identity, the resident can ask him or her to wait outside while they call the company on 08451 242424 to check their identity.

Contractors working for the company should also carry an identification card which can be checked with Yorkshire Water by telephone.