AN elderly man was nearly conned out of £4,000 by rogue traders who sent him to a bank to collect the cash.

Luckily the bank became suspicious and called the police. Officers are now warning others to be on their guard after the two men struck in Seend on Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses are also needed to help find the two men in high visibility vests who were in a dark saloon car. They knocked on the door of a house in the village and told the elderly man who answered that they were from Devizes Roofing Ltd.

They told him that a roof tile needed repairing, he agreed and they carried out the work saying that it would cost £100. They then told him more work was needed and this would cost £4,000 and sent him to the bank to collect the cash.

PCSO Janet Gould said: "We'd like to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in this area at this time.

"Also, if you have been approached by similar males or if you have any information which could help us please come forward."

The public are urged to remember the following advice to help reduce their chances of falling victim to this type of crime:

• Always keep your door shut and locked.

• If someone comes to your door and you aren’t expecting a caller it is important that you check who it is by using a spy-hole or look through a window. DO NOT open the door to anyone you don’t know or are not expecting.

• Official visitors will always arrange an appointment with you beforehand – If no appointment has been made DO NOT open the door.

• DO NOT keep large amounts of cash at home – it is much safer in a bank or building society.

• Always keep purses and wallets hidden away from sight

• Never keep pin numbers with credit or debit cards

• Never agree to have work carried out by someone who is just passing, or believe them that work needs to be done at all. If you think work might need to be done get quotes from three companies and ask friends and neighbours for recommendations.

• If you see anything suspicious or think a bogus caller may have called at your door, you must report it to the police immediately by calling 999.

If you can help with our enquiries please contact PCSO Janet Gould on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.