ELDERLY residents are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of distraction burglaries in South Lakeland.

Police say four such incidents have occurred over the last two weeks, two on the Heron Hill estate in Kendal, one at Oxenholme and one at Arnside.

On each occasion, a young woman has knocked on a door claiming her brother's football has gone into the garden.

Police said she has then lured the resident outside, during which time another offender enters the house, and steals purses, wallets and handbags.

There have also been similar incidents in the Ingleton area.