PENSIONERS have been told to be on their guard after a 90-year-old woman was targeted by a distraction burglar.

The incident took place in Thornbridge Avenue, Park South, at around 2.15pm on Wednesday when a man called at the house stating that he needed to turn off the elderly resident's water.

As the man had no ID the woman refused to let him in. He is described as white, stocky build and 5ft 8ins tall. He was wearing jeans and a white shirt with a blue check on it.

He had an Irish accent, short dark hair and was described as looking like a builder.

In a separate incident on the same afternoon, cash was stolen from a pensioner's house in Mannington Park in a distraction burglary.

The incident took place at around 2.45pm when two men called at the home of the elderly householder.

As the two men talked to the resident, a third man sneaked in and stole cash from the house.

The two men that spoke to the occupant are described as being approximately 20 years old with tanned skin.

Both were wearing long sleeved blue shirts with blue trousers.

Witnesses or anyone with information about either incidents should contact Swindon police on 0845 408 7000.