A man pretending to be a water official stole two handbags from an 84-year-old woman after conning his way into her home, police say.

The thief struck at the address near Wharf Road, Wroughton, at 4.45pm yesterday (Thursday).

No valuable property was stolen, but anybody with information is asked to contact the police on Swindon 528111 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on (0800) 555 111.