TWO conmen picked on the wrong people when they called on the home of pensioners David Swan and his wife Joan.

The couple sent the two men fleeing after threatening to call the police. Today police praised their vigilance and urged other pensioners in the town to follow their example.

The attempted theft from the Pinehurst home of Mr and Mrs Swan was one of several that have taken place over the last few weeks in Swindon.

Conmen attempt to persuade their victims to allow them into their homes to carry out repairs before stealing their valuables.

Mr Swan, 77, and his wife were approached by two men they believed had come to mend their garden gate.

The men, both described as being in their 30s, had flashed ID cards at 75-year-old Mrs Swan and told her they were council workers.

Mr Swan said: "My wife is in a terrible state. She doesn't feel at all safe anymore. I am very upset and a bit shaken."

He said he grew suspicious when one of the men went into the kitchen.

He said: "I told them that I had not reported anything in the kitchen. I told them to stand still while I phoned the council.

"But then the other man walked into the kitchen as though he was searching for something. Then he said 'it must be upstairs' and he went up.

"I told my wife to watch the man who was downstairs and I followed the other one."

Both men left the house after Mr Swan shouted to his wife to phone the police.

"They didn't take anything. We watched them like a hawk. They ran off in the direction of Poplar Avenue. One of them was shaking his fist as if to say I'll get you later."

Swindon Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "Mr and Mrs Swan dealt with the situation very well.

"Our message to residents is to be vigilant, do not let strangers into your home and remember that legitimate callers will not mind having their identification checked."

Robert Taylour, business and industry group leader at Swindon Council, said: "Mr and Mrs Swan were right to be suspicious. We strongly recommend that residents check the identity of unknown callers. For instance, if the caller claims to be from the council or Swindon Services, residents should make a telephone call to the council to check whether this person exists and has been sent to this address.

"It is certainly unlikely that a member of staff from the council or Swindon Services would call without making an appointment by phone or post."

One of the men is described as having a tanned complexion, a stocky build, 5ft 9in tall with dark brown hair and wearing a beige coloured jumper. The second has a slim build, 5ft 9in tall, was clean-shaven and wearing a dark coloured coat.

The incident happened at 9.15am on Tuesday. Witnesses or anyone else who have had similar visits are asked to contact Swindon Police on 528111.

Elderly residents can get advice on bogus callers from the Age Concern information line on (01380) 735500.