Detectives are appealing for information after two men posing as police officers barged into the home of a pensioner and stole hundreds of pounds.
The 74-year-old victim was visited at her home in Windlesham Close, Portslade, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday (3 February) by two men dressed in long black coats.
The men pushed past the woman when she answered the door and said they were police officers and needed to take a statement from her about a burglary nearby.
One of the men began asking her questions while the other searched the home, found her handbag and stole a quantity of cash before both men left the flat.
Both men were white and clean shaven with dark hair.
Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.
Detective Constable Scott Moore said: “The men pushed past the victim before she had the chance to challenge them properly and then split up so that one could distract the victim while the other looked for anything they could take.
“We urgently need to speak to anyone who might have seen two men fitting the description of these offenders acting suspiciously in the area or who could know who they are.
“These men posed as people the victim could trust, suggested they needed her help to solve a crime and then preyed on her.
“If you know anything at all that could help us to find these men, please contact us.
“Police officers will always be happy for you to check their identity before you let them into your home.
“Always check visitors’ details to ensure you are happy that they are who they say they are.”
Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 302 of 04/02, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.
Residents can also being encouraged to register their items on the world’s largest property database so that if they are stolen, they can be reunited with the owners – and so the offenders can be prosecuted.
You can register your property in just a few minutes by visiting www.immobilise.com. Click here to watch a video about Immobilise and how it works .
To join a Neighbourhood Watch group where you live please visit www.sussexnwfed.org.uk or speak to your local neighbourhood policing team.
