Two burglars who rang a doorbell “seven or eight times” before they forced open a front door apologised after coming face to face with the home owner.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the attempted burglary in Danetre Drive, Daventry, at around 2.15pm on Saturday.
Officers say the two men rang the victim’s door bell several times then held it down on the last try.
When the victim did not answer the door the men forced the door open and entered the house.
However, when the men saw the victim in the hallway one men said “sorry” to her and they both left immediately.
No property was taken.
A force spokesman said: “The offenders are both described as white men, around 5ft 9in, of skinny build and wearing black clothing. One of the men was wearing a bandana covering his face up to his nose.”