AN 80-year-old woman had her handbag stolen as she was duped by men posing as gardeners at her home in Wellington.

Police say a man called on the victim offering to do some gardening work, but she saw a second man in the garden at the time and told them she already had someone to do that sort of work.

She went back inside but the man followed her in and as he left she realised her handbag was missing.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident in Lodge Close and are on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are still appealing for help to catch two men following the distraction burglary at around 7.45pm on Wednesday, August 21.

Inspector Stuart Bell said: “We're appealing for anyone who was in the Lodge Close area or who may have seen two men running towards a car or a car driving away.

“We're also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or found a black leather handbag abandoned in the area.”

Vulnerable people are now being urged to take steps to prevent distraction burglaries.

If you're worried about your home security, call your neighbourhood team on 101 for advice, or anybody with information about the incident should call Taunton police station on the same number.