Police are appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary at the home of an elderly couple in Launton.

At about 2.45pm yesterday ,a man knocked on the door of a couple in their eighties claiming to be from the water board. He said he needed to check the water supply of the property.

PC Adam Taylor said: “The man asked the 87-year-old resident if he would go to the bathroom and check the water until it turned blue.

“The offender then went to the kitchen and appeared to check the taps there. He left shortly afterwards. There was a second offender who waited outside in the street until the first man left the house.

“It wasn’t until later that the elderly gentleman realise that his 87-year-old wife’s purse had been stolen, containing £87.

“We would urge anyone who saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously, or anyone else who was approached by a man claiming to be from the Water Board to contact us as soon as possible.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that the water board does not exist and that people should always ask for identification and check with the companies in question before letting anyone into their homes.

“If you still have any doubts or concerns, do not let them in and contact the police immediately. Any legitimate caller will not mind you checking their identification.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Taylor via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0845 8 505 505.