THE granddaughter of an elderly Ilminster couple has told of her anger after they were targeted in a ‘doorstep deception’ scam.

Two men, who knocked on David and Dorothy Pakle’s door, said that guttering needed clearing on their house.

But the couple grew increasingly suspicious about the men and, after they left, contacted police.

Their 24-year-old granddaughter Shakira James said: “Two men purporting to be cleaning out the guttering came to the house. One went inside and was trying to get my grandparents into the same room, saying he needed to speak to both of them.

“They seemed to be ‘scoping out’ the place – wearing gloves indoors, asking if there was a back door and trying to look round other rooms in the house.

“One of them gave a whistle and they left but my grandparents had become very suspicious, called the police and gave a statement.

“My grandparents are in their 80s and it makes me so angry thieves would target them. I wish I had been there to answer the door.”

A spokesman for the police said: “We have received a report of two men gaining access to a property on Ditton Street on November 10, saying they were working on drainage issues. One is described as white, in his 50s with brown hair.

“No property is believed to have been taken at this time but we ad-vise all residents to ask for official identification before letting anyone you don’t know into your home.”

Police have also warned householders across the area that, as the nights draw in, the criminals change their tactics.

A spokesman said: “At this time of year, burglars break into homes through windows and back doors, only coming out with a story when challenged by the occupants.

"Intruders have claimed to be from the police, security officers or well meaning neighbours chasing away burglary suspects.

"It's vital to call the police at once if you've been burgled or found someone in your home. We've done well capturing offenders when victims have dialled 999 immediately after being targeted by burglars. Don't delay - call straight away."