Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted distraction burglary in Bradford on Avon.

The incident took place at a residential address in the Highfield Road / New Road area during the afternoon of Tuesday.

Shortly before 3.15pm an elderly man, who was sat resting on a low wall at the junction with Highfield Road and New Road, was approached by two men in a white flatbed vehicle.

The men told the victim they had been sent by his son to carry out gardening work and were allowed access to his home nearby.

Once inside, one of the men asked to use the toilet and the other began to ask what money the elderly victim had.

The victim became suspicious and picked up the phone telling the men he was calling the police, at which time both suspects left the property. Nothing was stolen.

The first man is described as white, of medium build, approximately 5ft 4ins tall, with short, straight hair and aged between 20-25. He was wearing overalls with long sleeves, believed to be blue in colour with some small writing on one of the sides of the chest. This man was driving the vehicle.

The second man is described as white, of medium build, approximately 5ft 5ins – 5ft 7ins tall and aged beteen 20-25.  He was wearing similar clothing to the first man.

Detective Constable Anthony King from Wiltshire Police said: “Unfortunately, there are some people who will look to take advantage of a situation and it appears that is exactly what appears to have happened in this case.

"The victim was on his way back from the local shop with the aid of a walking frame and has sat down to rest.

"During this time a vehicle had passed and the occupants of that vehicle have seen what they considered to be an elderly and vulnerable person and have engaged him in friendly conversation with a view to scam and steal from him.”

Officers would like to remind people of the following key safety points:

• Always keep your door shut and locked
• Do not open your door to unknown callers
• Always check callers’ identities
• Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, note any vehicle registrations, descriptions of persons involved and direction of travel
• If you are at all concerned about a caller, report it to the police immediately by calling 999

Anyone who saw the vehicle or men matching these descriptions in or around the junction with Highfield Road and New Road at around 3.15pm on April 30 should call DC Sam Hopkinson at Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.