An 88-year-old-man was threatened in his home by an intruder who broke in and stole cash.

The break-in occurred the following day at around 12.45am on Wednesday in Kings Avenue, Corsham, when the man was woken by the thief in his bedroom.

The intruder threatened him, demanding to know where his money was. The victim told him he had no money and the man left. The victim’s rear kitchen window had been broken and small quantity of cash was taken.

The suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft7ins tall and in his early 20s. he was of slim build  with a clean shaven face. He was wearing all dark clothing, a black coat with the zip up and his face partially covered, also wearing a woollen hat and spoke with a local accent.

The attack came just a day after an elderly woman, also 88, heard what she thought were bangs from fireworks outside her property in Allington Way, Chippenham.

She alerted her neighbour and together they identified extensive damage to the rear windows and back door of her house. No suspects were seen and it is believed nothing was stolen.

A police spokesman said officers are linking the two raids.

Detective Constable Anthony King, from Central CID, said: “I would urge residents with elderly neighbours to be extra vigilant during the Christmas period and to report suspicious behaviour to the police. It may be that this offender is targeting elderly people and may have visited previously as a bogus caller.

"News of these crimes can be very frightening to our elderly community but with the right preventative action and support from neighbours and family, we can prevent this happening.

"We all can be the best of neighbours and help any elderly or vulnerable people in our community to secure their premises at night and not to open their doors unless they are expecting a visitor. Remind your relatives and friends not to let strangers into their properties.

"If anyone has information about the suspect in these burglaries I would urge them to come forward and we are keen to bring this offender to justice.” 

A police spokesman said: "By adhering to the following advice, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or bogus callers:

• 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, don’t 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, out of 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 such people when they claim that repairs need to be made. 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, report it to police immediately by calling 999."

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust will visit the elderly victims of the two break-ins.

Bobby Van provides a home security service for elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged people throughout Wiltshire.

It operates two Bobby vans that provide mobile workshops for Bobby operators. For more information click here.

Witnesses or anyone with information can call 101 and ask to speak to DC Anthony King at Melksham Police Station on 744 31837. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.