DISTRACTION burglars claiming to be from the water board stole more than £500 from an elderly couple.

Two men called on a home in Station Road, Brize Norton, at 5.50pm yesterday.

One of the men asked the elderly resident to turn on the taps claiming there had been to a burst water pipe.

His accomplice stayed with the pensioner to make sure he kept his hands on the tap while the other man went upstairs and searched the house.

They took the man's wallet and £2 in 2p pieces from the upstairs bedroom. The wallet was later found in the driveway with about £500 missing.

Both men were white and aged in their 30s.

PC Claire Sadler said: "This was a nasty offence where an elderly person has had money stolen.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen these people near the property, or anything suspicious in the area at the time, to contact the police."

Anyone with any information should contact PC Sadler at Witney police station via 08458 505505 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.