The man called at the house in Aynho Crescent in Sunnyside on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

He produced a false, passport-sized badge as identification.

He is described as stocky, 6ft tall and in his late 30s, with receding brown short hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket and dark trousers.

Anybody who recognises him from the description, or who experienced anything similar to his call, is asked to ring police.

Identity check

Northamptonshire Police are also reminding residents not to let anyone in unless the caller has made a prior appointment.

If anyone claims to be an officer of the law, residents can call 01604 700700 to verify their identity.

New figures recently released by the Home Office stated that people in Northants were more likely to be victims of distraction burglary than those living elsewhere in England and Wales last year.

Fourteen out of every 10,000 households within the county fell victim to bogus callers in 2003/04.