POLICE are warning of sneak thief after he stole a purse containing £40 from an 83-year-old woman in Market Lavington last week while he pretended to inquire about gardening work.

The incident took place around noon last Friday when the woman was in the bathroom of her home in The Muddle.

She heard a knock at the back door and found a man standing at her open door. He asked her if she needed any work doing in her garden but she said she didn't and the man went off.

Half an hour later she noticed her purse, which had been lying on the kitchen table, was missing. It was later found and handed in, minus the cash.

The man is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build and clean shaven.

A similar theft happened in Highworth on Monday. Sgt Dave Garrod at Devizes Police Station said: "This is a despicable offence, taking advantage as much of the fine weather as the frailty of the victim. We would like to advise all residents, regardless of age, to make sure that their property is secure, even in hot weather."