AN ORGANISED gang could be targeting the homes of elderly people in Swindon more than once a week.

Since the beginning of April officers have been called out 10 times to deal with pensioners all over town who have fallen victim to distraction burglars.

Acting Det Insp Paul Jennings has described preying on the elderly as the most despicable offence imaginable.

And he has called on family, friends and neighbours to keep an eye on potential victims.

Acting Det Insp Jennings said: "Ten is a lot and they're preying on the most vulnerable members of our society. It's a definite worry for us at the moment.

"What happens if they get into the home and are then challenged?

"What's the likelihood of somebody getting hurt? We know that they are prepared to take people's life savings.

"There's a strong likelihood that these incidents may well be related, if not because of the individuals then by association because the methods are all similar."

Eight of the 10 recent distraction burglaries have seen the culprits gain entry by claiming they needed to check the water.

"We are seeing offences of this nature throughout the county and in Swindon we have had more than one a week," said Acting Det Insp Jennings. "It's the most despicable of offences that you can possibly imagine.

"They are preying on elderly people who are completely harmless and people that don't leave their homes very often."

Earlier this month the Advertiser reported on 83-year-old Trevor Fry, from Rodbourne, who was a victim of a distraction burglary.

He described those responsible as the lowest of the low.

Acting Det Insp Jennings said: "To be a victim of this offence is going to upset an elderly person to such a degree that it can cause them really long-term damage.

"We have all got to play a part here. It really is a community issue.

"We don't want them in our town, on our streets, preying on our elderly people who are completely vulnerable victims."

Thames Water spokesman Andrew Boyd said: "We are obviously concerned to hear about these cases.

"Genuine Thames Water staff will always be happy to wait outside while people ring our Swindon customer centre to check their identity."

The Thames Water contact number is 0845 9200 800.

The Bobby Van is a police service which elderly or vulnerable people can call on to make their homes more secure.

Officers can fit extra locks, spy holes and give security advice.

For more information telephone Swindon police on 0845 408 7000.