Thieves escaped empty handed following a bungled distraction burglary in Crawley last week.

Two men claiming to work for the council visited a house in Falcon Close on Wednesday the 3rd of February. They asked the elderly residents to check their water supply before going into the home. One of the men distracted them while the second searched other rooms.

But an eagle-eyed neighbour spotted the pair and they quickly left with nothing to show for their crime.

Both men are described as white, one was in in 30s and of large build wearing a black jacket and hat and jeans. The other was in his 50s wearing a cream coloured hat with a red and blue pattern and a dark jacket.

They were last seen walking south along Langley Drive towards the A23.

Any witness or anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 944 of 03/02. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org)