A pensioner aged 86 was the victim of distraction burglars who claimed to be checking the water at his home in Uffington.
He discovered two men in his back garden in the village at about 1pm on Wednesday.
They claimed to be dealing with a water valve problem, but at some point a third man got inside the house and stole cash.
The three men, one of whom spoke with an Irish accent, left in a dark-coloured saloon.
Dc Rob Underhill said: "These men deliberately targeted an elderly victim in a remote village.
"I need to hear from anyone who thinks they saw the same group in the area that day."
Anyone with information should call Dc Underhill on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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