Conmen pretending to be police officers have tricked their way into the home of a pensioner and stolen around £1,700 in cash.

Police in Croydon are appealing for witnesses after the two men carried out the burglary on Thornton Avenue, Thornton Heath, at around 2.45pm on Tuesday.

The men, posing as policemen, entered the home of a woman in her 80’s and took around £1,700 in cash and some jewellery before making off in the direction of Brading Road.

DC Dominic Doyle, from Croydon’s Burglary Squad, who is investigating the incident said: “We’re appealing for anyone who may have seen these men in the area to contact us and assist with our investigations.”

The first suspect is described as white, in his 30’s around 5ft 7in with short brown hair and a moustache, wearing a black zip-up top with no markings, black trousers and black shoes.

The second is described as white, in his 20’s around 5ft 6ins with short brown hair.

Police are also reminding residents to always check the identification of visitors, and not to answer the door or let cold callers into your address.

DC Doyle added: “If in doubt, call us to check, but in general I would advise all residents to not answer the door to cold callers, check I.D. and credentials carefully and call the organisation they claim to be from to verify their identity even if they claim to be police.

“Officers will be happy to wait whilst you call our non-emergency number 101 to verify they are genuine officers.”

Residents are advised to: Not open the door to cold callers or unexpected guests Carefully check the identification of all callers before allowing them into your home, even if they have previously made an appointment If you are unsure of the identity of the caller, contact the organisation they claim to be from (using a number from a public phone book or the company’s website) to confirm the caller is who they say - remember genuine callers will be happy to wait.

Alternatively, ask them to make an appointment to come back when a friend or relative is available to be with you. A genuine caller will understand.

If you see somebody acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call 999.