Sometime between 5.55pm and 6.10pm, the victim, an 81-year-old man, was stood in his kitchen when a man came to his rear door stating that he needed to sort some water supply problems. The man then asked the victim to come to the bottom of the garden with him to look at something.

A police spokesman said:

“It appears that while the victim was at the bottom of the garden with the first man, a second man entered his house, carried out a search and stole around £230 from his wallet and various drawers.

“The victim saw the second man as he made his way back to his house and questioned both men about what they were doing. The two men ignored his questions and walked off in the direction of Leonard Street.

“Although very shaken by this incident the victim has been able to give police officers descriptions of the two men that came to his address. The first man is described as being white, around 5ft 5inches tall, of medium build, with short dark hair and as wearing a white shirt with black vertical stripes and blue jeans.

“The second man is described as being white, around 5ft 10inches tall, as having a medium build and as wearing a grey sweater and blue jeans.

“We believe the same two men attempted to access at least one other property on Slaney Street yesterday evening and we are therefore looking at the possibility that the men responsible for this distraction burglary attempted further thefts at other addresses too.

“Thankfully at the present time we have had no further reports of money being taken by these men.

“Investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have been visited by these men, or anyone who may have seen anything suspicious – such as a vehicle of some sort – that could be linked to this burglary on Slaney Street.

“Anyone with information that could help officers investigating this distraction burglary is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d prefer to pass on information without identifying yourself.

“In light of these incidents, we would once again like to warn people to be on their guard if an unknown caller comes to the door. Please make a point of checking their identification and only let them in once you have carried out every possible check to ensure they are a genuine caller.

“Residents, especially elderly or vulnerable people, are reminded to exercise extreme caution when opening the door to someone they do not know. Callers from utility companies will carry an identification badge which should be carefully checked, and genuine callers will not mind waiting outside while checks are made with the organisation they claim to represent.”