THREE different criminal gangs are believed to be responsible for a trio of burglaries which took place in Swindon in one afternoon.

All three victims of the doorstep conmen on Saturday were elderly women.

Police say the thefts could have easily been avoided if the victims had followed simple crime prevention advice.

The first incident happened at 1.15pm, when a woman in her 70s was tricked by a thief posing as a gas board official.

She allowed him into her home in Bessemer Road West, Rodbourne, where he stole £100 from her handbag.

The offender, who headed off in the direction of Cheney Manor Road, is described as white, between 20 and 30-years-old, short, with dark hair.

He wore a white shirt with a collar, a black waistcoat and black trousers.

Fifteen minutes later at 1.30pm three thieves struck at the home of an 84-year-old in Collingsmead in Eldene. The men claimed they were from the electricity board, and were allowed into the house.

Once inside, the thieves distracted the woman and stole a small amount of cash from her handbag. The men were all white and in their early 20s.

The third incident happened at 3.30pm in Chamberlain Road, Lower Stratton.

An 83-year-old was mowing her lawn when a man engaged her in conversation about a cat.

Meanwhile, an accomplice entered the woman's home via an open door. He stole pension books and jewellery.

The victim was unable to give a description of either men.

Inspector Mark Power said police were not linking the thefts.

He said: "It is highly usual to have this many distraction burglaries in one day, and even more unusual because we do not believe the same offenders are responsible."

He reiterated the need for elderly people to be on their guard against bogus callers.

He said: "It is essential that you don't let callers into your home without checking their identity."

In November last year, the Evening Advertiser joined forces with the police to launch the Call-A-Friend campaign.

More than 100 elderly people in the Swindon area have so far signed up. When they join, householders write down the names and phone numbers of two trusted friends who they can call if they are suspicious of callers.

To join Call-A-Friend ring Swindon Police on 528111.