THIEVES stole £300 during a distraction burglary in Whitchurch.

At some time between 5pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, 23 July, two men went to the home of a man aged in his 50s and a woman aged in her 70s, in The Knowlings, Whitchurch.

They claimed to be looking at the paint on the roof but one of the men distracted the victim while the other man stole £300 from a wallet that was left in a bedroom. A burgundy coloured Audi was seen outside the address and is believed to have been used by the offenders.

Officers have descriptions of the two men they would like to speak to. The first man is described as white, aged in his early 20s, 6ft, slim build, short hair and was wearing a dark blue top and blue shorts with a white check.

The second man is described as white, of slightly bigger build than the first man and of medium height. He was wearing a baseball cap, dark blue polo shirt and dark blue shorts.

Pc David Catchpole said: “We believe that the victims have been deliberately targeted by the offenders. “We are appealing for anyone who can provide information relating to the suspects or a burgundy Audi saloon vehicle that was seen to be used by them.

“Never let traders into your house without asking to see ID. “If you are in any doubt as to the legitimacy of any door sales reps or traders please call 101 or your local council Trading Standards team.”

Anyone with any information should contact Pc Catchpole at Basingstoke police station by calling 101 and quoting Operation Liberal, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.