We are appealing for witnesses after an elderly couple were targeted in a distraction burglary in Swindon.
The married couple, who are both in their 80s, were approached by a man at their home in Castleview Road, Chiseldon, at around 5.20pm on 1 July 2019.
He warned them he had seen rats on their roof and needed to check their attic for them.
They allowed him into their house, but once he had left released a number of items had been stolen, including a brown leather purse and around £300 in cash.
The man is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, fairly tall and of slim build. He had short dark hair, which was possibly curly or wavy.
He was wearing a dirty green top, with some kind of logo on the front, and dark jeans.
PC Rebecca Weaver, from Swindon South Community Policing Team, said: “This was a targeted crime against two elderly people who have been duped by a man posing as a builder or workman.
“We have a good description of the suspect, so are hoping that someone may recognise him or may recognise the details of this distraction burglary as it’s likely to be a tactic he has tried previously to get into people’s homes.
“If you have CCTV or dash cam footage then that would also be useful.”
We would also like to urge people to talk to elderly or vulnerable friends or relatives about how to stay safe from rogue traders or distraction burglars. You can find crime prevention advice on our website https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/article/4299/Unexpected-callers
Anyone with information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 54190063803. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.