Bogus police officers stole £150 from an 86-year-old woman in a distraction burglary in Burford.

At about 9pm yesterday, two men knocked on an elderly woman’s door off Barns Lane, claiming to be police officers.

The offenders were large both spoke with local accents and were wearing dark clothing.

The men told the woman they had received a call from a neighbour stating her bedroom window was open.

They went inside and one of the offenders showed her some money claiming they had two people in the car outside who were responsible for taking it.

When the men had left, the woman noticed about £150 had been taken from a bag in the living room. PC Julie French said: “The woman has been left shaken by the incident. I would urge anyone with information about this crime to contact me as soon as possible.

“In this case, the victim was led to believe that these men were legitimate police officers, but the type of clothing they were wearing is not something that officers would wear.

“Officers should have on black trousers and they should be wearing stab vests with the Thames Valley Police logo on the breast, along with their names.

“On their shoulders, they will be wearing epaulettes with shoulder numbers that are unique to that officer.

“All officers carry police badges and warrant cards with photographic identification.

“If anyone is in any doubt about a caller who claims to be a police officer, they can call the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 to check their credentials with one of our operators.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact PC French via the enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.