POLICE are warning that conmen who pretend to be council workmen or water board officials are becoming increasingly insistent, and it is imperative they are kept out of the homes of elderly people.

This follows the latest incident in Urchfont where an 88-year-old woman did nearly everything right but still lost her handbag and its contents to a heartless thief.

The man called at the Croft sheltered homes in the village on Monday morning, saying that there was a burst water main outside and he had to turn off the water.

The resident insisted that he show some identification and kept him outside while she phoned to check him out. But he forced his way in and helped himself to her purse

Anyone with information should contact Devizes police on (01380) 722141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.