CONCERNED residents are setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme after doorstep con artists burgled an 83-year-old woman by pretending to be from the gas board.

Martina Lewis, 30, and Angie Robinson, 40, both full time mothers from Park North say they are appalled at what happened to the unnamed woman in Beaufort Green.

And within two hours of the incident happening at 9am on Wednesday the pair had organised a collection from neighbours that covered almost all of the money stolen.

They have been handing out their phone numbers to elderly residents in a scheme similar to the Evening Advertiser supported Call a Friend.

Call a Friend is set to be launched in Highworth next week in which residents have the phone number of two trusted friends they call for help if an unknown caller comes to the door.

Miss Robinson said: "The lady is a friend and neighbour so we were disgusted when we found out what had happened.

"I felt sorry for her and ashamed that something like that could happen in this community.

"The reaction from everyone in the street was incredible.Even people who have only lived here for a few months and have never met her wanted to donate to the collection.

"The police do a good job but it is up to the community to look out for each other which is why we want to set up a Neighbourhood Watch. Martina and I have already given our phone numbers to elderly people so they can contact us if they feel threatened."

Miss Robinson's four-year-old son Samuel donated his £2.50 weekly pocket money to the collection.

After the two men tricked their way into the woman's house, they searched a bedroom and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

Two men aged 28 and 29 have been arrested in connection with the incident and questioned at Westlea Police Station. Both men have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The woman was too shaken to speak to the press following the incident, but, speaking on her behalf, Miss Robinson said she was still upset but considered herself fortunate not to have been harmed in the burglary.

She added the woman was taken aback by the support shown by her community and it gave her confidence that people are looking after each other.

Neighbourhood Watch officer Patty Holt said: "I have spoken to Martina and Angela about starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. It is vital that people call us whenever something like this happens so we can catch them.

"I have heard of cold callers saying they have police approval, but the police never approve doorstep sellers.

"My philosophy is, if you have not asked them and don't know who they are, then do not let them in."

For information about setting up your own Neighbourhood Watch call Patty Holt on (01793) 507864.

Witnesses to the incident, or anyone who is concerned about uninvited callers is asked to call Swindon police on (01793) 528111.