POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an 80-year-old man had £100 stolen from his home in Devizes.

The incident is being treated as a distraction burglary.

A woman called at his home in Sheep Street last Wednesday at 1pm and offered to sell him door mats although she did not have any mats with her.

The woman then became interested in a clock in the passageway and entered the house.

She talked about furniture and books in the home and was followed around by the householder. The following day the householder found that £100 had been stolen.

A police spokesman said the offender could have been working on her own or may have had an accomplice who got into the property to steal the money.

The woman is described as 20, 5ft 9ins tall, with auburn hair tied in a pony tail and wearing blue jeans and a dark jumper with writing on.

Anyone with information should call WPC Jenny Morrison at Devizes police station on (01380) 722141.