POLICE have begun a determined bid to catch the conmen who are preying on vulnerable Swindon pensioners.

Six homes have been hit this month. Now a team of four officers has been set up to catch the conmen and leader Det Sgt Kier Pritchard said: "Although only minimal force has been used in some of the cases, we fear that somebody will be seriously injured by this new team of burglars.

"The days of trust have sadly gone. The majority of people would not dream of entering somebody's house, but there are criminals who will take advantage.

"This crime is high on our agenda and we will ensure the response is immediate.

"But it is important relatives and neighbours do not accidentally destroy the forensic evidence by ringing a door bell or knocking on the door."

Police have just issued an artist's impression of the person they want to talk to in connection with a burglary in Burbage Road. Police suspect the latest wave of burglaries are linked. The incidents were:

At 1.30pm on Saturday, January 3 in Downs View, Chiseldon, an 84-year-old woman was tricked by a man claiming to need to switch off her gas and electricity. He escaped with a small amount of cash.

On Wednesday, January 7, at 11.20am a man called at the home of an elderly couple in Cowleaze Crescent, Wroughton. While they talked to him, a second man slipped inside and ransacked an upstairs room.

An 87-year-old woman was tricked in the same street minutes later. Two men called claiming to be from a water company and stole cash.

At 5.30pm on Tuesday, January 13, a man claiming to be from social services tried to get into the home of an 84-year-old woman in Burbage Road, Penhill.

On Wednesday, January 14, a man returned to Cowleaze Crescent, again claiming to be from a utility company. The same 87-year-old victim was forced to hand over her pension book and cash.

Later that day three conmen tricked their way into the home of a 92-year-old partially deaf woman in Acacia Grove, Pinehurst. They told her the bathroom window was open and escaped with money.

One of the suspects is 5ft 4in, in his 20s and smart-looking. He has been seen in a dark blue Reebok top.

The second man is in his mid-30s, slim, unshaven and more unkempt. He wore a grey top.

A third is 5ft 5in, aged 25 to 35 and stocky.

Det Sgt Pritchard urged anyone unsure of the identity of callers to dial 999.

Alternatively, they can get involved in the Evening Advertiser-backed Call a Friend scheme. Set up in November 2002 in Wroughton, it was later extended to cover the whole of Swindon.

It works on the idea of a buddy system. Each person who signs up is asked to write down the names and telephone numbers of two people who live nearby.

In the event of a suspicious caller help is on hand quickly.

For further information call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Kevin Shoesmith