Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses after two people attempted to steal a watch from a man in Swindon.
The victim, who is in his late 70s, was walking along Marlborough Road, close to the junction with Carlisle Avenue, in Old Town, at around 9.45 am last Monday.
He was approached by two women who asked for his assistance, saying they had a friend who was unwell.
The women said they did not speak English, so the victim assisted by directing them to a nearby hotel to get help.
They then hugged him, taking hold of his hands, and one of them managed to unclip and remove his watch without him realising.
However, as they quickly walked away, the victim realised his watch was missing so challenged them, and the watch dropped out of one of the women’s clothing, meaning he was able to retrieve it.
The two suspects are described as Asian, possibly Chinese ethnicity, both in their mid 20s, of slim build and around 5ft 2ins tall.
They were both wearing hospital-style face masks and dressed in white tops and blue jogging bottoms.
PC Teresa Herbert, from Swindon’s Community Investigation Team, said: “We want to hear from anyone who witnessed this particular incident and may have information who can help.
“We also believe this may be some sort of scam which others have fallen victim to, perhaps without realising anything was stolen.
“If you can help, please call us on 101, quoting crime reference 54210056787. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
