Police are asking people to be aware for con-artists after an elderly man was robbed of several thousand pounds in Jennings Street. At 3.15pm yesterday the pensioner was approached by a man who asked to view his drains.

Alvina Kumar, of Swindon police, said: "This man was taken to the rear garden and after he had left the occupant discovered the theft of several thousand pounds and his pension book from his front living room."

The thief, who was carrying a blue clipboard, is described as white, aged 20-30, with a medium build and black hair with long sideburns. He was wearing a blue and white checked shirt, blue jeans and black shoes and had an Irish accent. To help police call Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.