Police are appealing for information after a distraction burglary in Great Milton, where a man posed as a police officer to steal from an elderly woman.

At about 11.25am last Friday, a man knocked at the door of the 89-year-old victim, claiming to be a police officer and said there had been a burglary in the area.

The man told the victim that a man had been arrested and a large amount of cash and jewellery had been recovered. He then asked if he could come into her house to check if she had been burgled.

The woman let him in and showed him where she kept her cash and jewellery, which the man then stole.

Det Con Arran Cliff said: “The elderly woman has obviously been left very shaken by what has happened.

“I would like to hear from anyone who was in the Great Milton area last Friday who may have seen anyone suspicious walking around the village.

“We have heard from some people that an unfamiliar maroon coloured car had been seen in the village on the day. This was a saloon-type car, similar to a Honda Accord or Rover and there were two white men seen sitting in the car.

“I urge everyone to be vigilant to this sort of crime and to look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who are the type of people these criminals tend to target.

“Never let a stranger into your home without first verifying that person is who they say they are. All police officers carry photographic identification and will never mind you taking a moment to check their credentials.

“This can be done by calling the 24-hour Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. However, if you feel uncertain or unsafe in any way, then call 999.”

Anyone with information about this offence should contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.