CONMEN have been preying on elderly people in the west Wiltshire area. Posing as bogus officials, they have stolen money, electrical goods and other valuable items.

At 3.30pm on Monday an elderly person in Forest Road, Melksham, disturbed two men who had entered his home. They said they had come to check the volume of the television.

The men are described as white, 5ft 10ins, stocky build with short cropped hair. They wore dark coloured jumpers and jogging bottoms.

On the same day an elderly lady was conned at Boswell Road, Westwood near Bradford on Avon.

A police spokesman said: "The circumstances appear to be that a man walked into the premises via the back door.

"The lady asked the man what he was doing and he just walked back out of the back door.

"Subsequently it has been discovered that a considerable amount of cash has been stolen."

Earlier this month, an elderly couple were duped out of hundreds of pounds by con artists posing as carpet traders.

Concerns over an increase in suspicious cold callers in Melksham intensified when Muriel and William Miller were tricked out of parting with £300.

Police have launched various initiatives to crack down on people who are preying on vulnerable residents, including the Beat the Bogus Caller campaign.

Earlier this year, officers asked Help the Aged, Age Concern and Wiltshire County Council to come up with fresh ideas to tackle the problem.

The spokesman said: "Bogus callers will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers such as officials from the council, gas, electricity or water companies.

"They may say they are workmen needing to make repairs or even claim to be police officers.

"Whether it's a child asking for a glass of water or someone offering to tarmac your drive, never let them in the house unless you are sure they are genuine."

Most genuine callers will make an appointment first and should carry proof of identification but police are advising people to keep the door chain on when talking to strangers.

The spokesman said: "Anyone with any concerns whatsoever should immediately contact the police.

"Bogus callers are convincing liars and anyone can be taken in by them."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.