MEN posing as police officers targeted elderly residents in an Oxfordshire village stealing a total of £630. The men were wearing blue overalls and stab vests — similar to clothing worn by police officers — and used a stolen or fake police identity card to dupe vulnerable people to let then into their homes.

Between two and three men preyed on three elderly residents in Adderbury.

Thames Valley Police said no arrests had been made yet but it was following new lines of inquiry.

In two of the burglaries cash was stolen, £200 in the first and £430 in the second. Nothing was taken in the third incident.

Residents were told different stories by the gang in a bid to get them to reveal where they kept cash and valuables. Once in the house, residents were distracted by members of the group while one went to steal items.

In one incident it is believed the men said they needed to check the house, as a suspected burglar had been stopped with cash further down the street.

Another householder was told there were youths in the area and the men wanted to check if anything had been taken.

Police have urged people to be on their guard and check all identification cards before letting anyone into their homes.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “There were three incidents on December 22 last year. The premise of the group was two or three people going around pretending to be police officers.

“They were preying on elderly people.

“In one incident they knocked on the door and said there were youths in the area and they wanted to check nothing had been stolen.

“They ask them where they keep their money, distract them and steal it.”

One of the victims is believed to have spotted the stolen warrant card which was actually showing a female officer’s name.

Police said there had been no further incidents since December, but officers were following new leads.

Residents have been alerted to the incidents through the village magazine Contact and local Neighbourhood Watch.

Police have issued advice for anyone concerned about a visit by a police officer.

  • If in doubt keep the door chain on.
  • All officers carry a photo identification and metal badge.
  • The metal badge number worn on a police officer’s shoulder should be the same number as on the photo identification card.
  • If in doubt call the police non emergency telephone number, 08458 505505.
  • Do not rely on telephone numbers given by the person at the door, but use a telephone directory.
  • Anyone with information should contact the police inquiry centre on 08458 505505.