AN elderly woman was let shaken after being burgled in her home in Malmesbury yesterday by two people pretending to be from Age Concern.

A woman knocked on the door of the victim’s bungalow, claiming to be from Age Concern at around 5pm.

When the victim said she wanted to check that the visitor worked for the charity, the woman stuck her foot in the door.

After a brief chat she was let in and a man who had not previously been visible followed behind her.

While the two suspects distracted the vulnerable victim, a third person is thought to have entered a different room and stole her jewellery.

The male was reported to be white, between 30-40, clean shaven and was using crutches as his right leg was in a cast.

The woman was said to have been white, between 30-40, with dark hair and an Irish accent.

A police spokesperson said: “If someone knocks at your door and not expecting someone, don’t open the door.

“If you have any information about this crime then call 101 and please be vigilant and keep a look out for anyone acting suspiciously, especially around the homes of vulnerable people in the community.”

Age Concern amalgamated with Help the Aged a number of years ago to form Age UK.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “It is horrible to think that anybody could target vulnerable older people in this way. Posing as someone from a charity is particularly despicable.

“Criminals who target vulnerable older people are calculating thieves and can be very convincing. We would urge all older people not to open their door to someone unless they are absolutely sure of their identity.

“If you’re suspicious or the caller won’t leave, call 999 and ask for the police.

“If someone is specifically concerned about the credentials of a caller who claims to be from Age UK or one of our founding charities – Age Concern and Help the Aged – then we would also urge them to contact our free advice line for further advice on 0800 169 65 65.

“Our free guide Staying Safe can also be downloaded from ageuk.org.uk

“All local Age UK staff visiting older people in their homes are advised to take some form of identification, such as an ID card, or visit by appointment only.

“All collectors for Age UK shops are required to carry Age UK ID cards and present them if requested.”