Two thieves pretending to be from the Water Board have carried out a string of distraction burglaries in Wootton Bassett.

The two men knocked on doors in The Lawns, Longleaze, Dryden Place and Brooke Place.

While one kept the owner talking, the other entered at the rear of the properties and stole sums of money ranging from £10 to £130.

Five properties were hit, on Wednes-day afternoon and several other homeowners turned the men away.

Police believe the men may have been responsible for a series of similar offences in Chippenham later on the same day.

One of the men is described as male, 5ft 8in, in his 20s or 30s, with spiky blonde or ginger hair and ginger stubble and a prominent gap in his teeth.

He spoke with a Cockney accent.

Inspector Mark Levitt, of Wootton Bassett police, urged residents to keep an eye out for their elderly neighbours.

"These are despicable offences committed against the most vulnerable members of the community," he said.

"Anyone who sees these men should contact the police immediately.

"Genuine workers will carry photo identification with them and will be happy to have their identification verifie'd."