POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary in South Gloucestershire.

A man entered the property of an elderly woman on Anchor Road in Kingswood on July 31, at around 8.30am, claiming to be doing work for a neighbour on the street.

He asked the victim whether she could make him a cup of tea, which she agreed to do, but then said he had to leave shortly afterwards.

The victim then discovered that a brown envelope containing cash, which had been on the table, was missing.

The suspect is described as a white man with white short greying hair and wearing a grey tracksuit.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We advise that all unattended doors and windows are kept closed and locked at all times.

“If you have regular visitors, then it is worth considering installing a secure keysafe. You are also advised not to open the door to unknown visitors, without using a door chain.

“Genuine callers will always wait while identity is checked. If you are still not sure, then don’t open the door and alert a neighbour or relative."

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have been approached by a man offering to do gardening work in the Anchor Road area.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 101 immediately, quoting reference number 5217174542.