A GANG of burglars posing as police officers are believed to have struck nine times in Oxfordshire.

In the latest raid three men claiming to be officers with a search warrant barged into the home of an 88-year-old man and his 85-year-old wife in Ray Road, Bicester, on Wednesday.

They stole several thousands of pounds.

Police believe the same gang of burglars, who dress in white shirts and stab vests, are responsible for nine thefts in the county since August.

They think the gang also struck at The Fairway, in Banbury, last Wednesday; targeted an 86-year-old woman in Burford on January 26; stole from three houses in Adderbury on December 22 and took up to £1,000 in cash from a 92-year-old man’s home in Dene Road, Oxford, on November 24.

Detectives believe the men also targeted a home in Chalvey Road, in King’s End, Bicester, on December 8, and a house in Park Road, Neithrop, Banbury, on August 27.

They are also linking the gang with identical raids in neighbouring counties such as Gloucestershire.

Det Chief Insp Chris Sharp, Oxfordshire crime manager, said officers believe at least five men are behind the burglaries.

Two suspects have been arrested but released, he added.

Mr Sharp said: “This group is posing as police officers and is mainly after cash.

“In some cases they claim to have caught burglars and ask the elderly occupants where they keep their money to see if any has been stolen. They then steal the cash and leave. There is a real need for people to check identification at the door.

“A genuine police officer would have no issue with his identification being checked and we actively encourage it.”

A stolen police warrant card used in some of the burglaries has been retrieved, he added.

Detectives said the burglars may have been using a blue or black Ford Focus in the most recent incidents.

Last month, the Oxford Mail revealed a special task force had been created at Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington to capture gangs travelling into the county targeting elderly and vulnerable residents and breaking into shops and off-licences.

The gangs, believed to have up to 40 members, have stolen cigarettes, perfume, cash, ATM machines and cars in the past six months.

They are thought to be behind at least 30 crimes.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk