Christchurch Police are warning people to not open their doors to complete strangers who are asking to use the telephone.

In a recent case being dealt with by Police, an elderly lady in Woolston has had a young lady knocking at her door asking to use the phone. She has then asked to get a glass of water. While the victim was getting this, the young lady has stolen money from her purse.

Constable Shane Cowles says that you should be very careful leaving windows and doors open even when you are home. "Secure your house when you are working at the other end or out in the garden and please do not let anyone you don't know into your home," he says. "Please put your purse and car keys out of sight and not at the front door or anywhere obvious."