DISTRACTION burglars targeted a Basingstoke woman to steal her handbag.

The burglary took place just after 1.30pm on Wednesday, June 25, at the 29-year-old victim’s home in Alexandra Road, Brookvale.

A man knocked on her door and claimed her house needed new cladding. Police said she became suspicious and closed the door.

It was when she walked back through the house that she noticed her handbag was missing and another man running out of the garden with her bag.

The men were then seen running from Alexandra Road towards Lower Brook Street.

Police have released an efit image of one of the man they want to talk to about the burglary.

The man at the door is described as white, about 6ft tall, of average build and aged in his mid to late 20s.

He has several teeth missing, had short, blond hair that looked dyed, and wore a black t-shirt with a beige motif and light-coloured shorts.

The man with the bag is described as white, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, and of a large, stocky build. He had a shaved head and wore a baggy light-blue t-shirt and light-coloured shorts.

Detective Constable Wes Arnold asked for any witnesses who saw the men to contact him at Basingstoke CID on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 29-year-old man from Sherfield-on-Loddon has been arrested in connection with this incident and has been bailed until August 20, pending further enquiries.